Winnipeg Sea Bears 107:96 Saskatoon Mamba 
Southland Sharks 103:98 Canterbury Rams 
Japan U17 62:98 Lithuania U17 
France U17 96:70 China U17 
Negros Hacienderos 102:108 Sarangani Marlins 
Latvia U20 75:59 Romania U20 
USA U17 141:85 Cameroon U17 
Marikina Shoemasters 88:83 Valenzuela City Darkhorse 
Italy U17 64:86 Canada U17 
Turkey U20 65:79 Serbia U20 
Slovenia U17 75:104 Australia U17 
New Zealand U17 91:121 Serbia U17 
As the 2026 World Cup gets closer, a troubling trend has emerged. The number of serious racist comments on social media has jumped significantly, according to FIFA’s monitoring service. This increase is catching the attention of soccer officials and fans alike.
Hateful posts are not just rude messages — they can be deeply hurtful and even threatening. FIFA is now stepping up its efforts to protect players, coaches, and supporters from this kind of abuse.
How FIFA Tracks Abusive Posts
FIFA uses a special tool called the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) to find the worst examples of racist content. This system scans millions of posts and flags those that break rules against hate speech.
- The system identifies posts with racial slurs or threats.
- It flags them for quick removal by social media platforms.
- FIFA works with police in different countries to find the people behind the abuse.
Why This Matters for Players and Fans
Racist abuse doesn’t just hurt the person targeted. It can scare other players from speaking out and make fans feel unwelcome. Many top soccer stars, like those from England and France, have faced online hate before big tournaments.
When hate speech goes unchecked, it can spread quickly. Young fans might see it and think it’s okay. That’s why FIFA wants to stop it early, especially with millions of eyes on the World Cup.
What’s Being Done to Stop It
FIFA is not just tracking hate posts. It is also pushing social media companies to do more. They want faster removal of abusive content and better ways to block repeat offenders.
- FIFA has asked platforms to use AI to catch hate before it spreads.
- They are training more moderators to review flagged posts.
- Players are being encouraged to report abuse directly to FIFA.
Looking Ahead to a Safer Game
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, with matches in the US, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA knows that online abuse could ruin the excitement for many.
By taking strong action now, they hope to send a clear message: racist hate has no place in soccer. Fans, players, and officials all have a part to play in keeping the game welcoming for everyone.