Brookings: The World Cup and Limits of Globalization

The World Cup and the soccer industry are symbols of globalization, with mass participation and players playing for clubs in countries other than their own. While some differences are swept aside, like Mohamed Salah being England’s player of the year despite Europe wrestling with Islamophobia, other incidents display nationalism and ethnic tensions, including fights and casual racism. Spain defender Gerard Pique was not well received for his support of Catalonian independence, and French forward Antoine Griezmann posted a blackface picture with disregard for his racially diverse national team. Fans in Mexico posted offensive pictures, pulling their eyes to the sides when South Korea helped them move out of the group stage, and fans in Europe often make anti-Semitic gestures at traditionally Jewish clubs. The World Cup is both a beacon of globalization and nationalism, and international players must take the lead in dispelling stereotypes and prejudice. – Yale Global