KNEELING FOR JUSTICE: A WORLD CUP PROTEST AGAINST HATE

The FIFA World Cup is a symbol of unity, passion, and sportsmanship. But in 2026, the tournament will be hosted in a country where racism, xenophobia, and division have become part of the political landscape. The United States, led by figures who spread hate and fear, is not the right place for a global event that is supposed to bring people together.

Since FIFA refuses to take action and remove the U.S. as a host, it is up to the players, teams, and fans to make a statement. 💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿💪🏻💪🏼

A Silent Protest, A Loud Message

One of the most powerful symbols of resistance in modern sports is kneeling. 🧎🏼🧎🏼‍➡️🧎🏼‍♂️🧎🏼‍♀️

Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression. For taking a stand, he was blacklisted from the NFL, proving how deep intolerance runs in America.

Now, the World Cup presents another chance to send a message. Players from around the world—those who believe in justice, equality, and human rights—should take a knee at the start of each match. Whether it’s before kickoff, during the national anthems, or at halftime, this gesture will remind the world that soccer is not just a game; it is a platform for truth.

Why This Matters

The U.S. government and its leaders have shown their disdain for diversity and human rights. Black communities still face police violence. Latino immigrants are demonized. Women’s rights are being rolled back. LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. Muslim Americans are treated with suspicion. All while white supremacy is defended at the highest levels of power.

FIFA may want to ignore these realities, but the world cannot. By kneeling, players and teams can refuse to let their sport be used as a cover-up for hate. They can show that the World Cup is about more than just competition—it is about the values we claim to uphold.

A Global Movement on the Field

In the past, athletes have used their platforms to challenge injustice. Muhammad Ali refused to fight in Vietnam. Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists at the 1968 Olympics. South Africa was banned from international sports during apartheid.

The World Cup should be no different.

Imagine teams kneeling together before a match, sending a message that racism and oppression have no place in the game—or in the world. Imagine fans joining in, kneeling in stadiums or at home, standing in solidarity with those who fight for justice. This is a moment to act, to resist, to remind FIFA and the U.S. that football belongs to the world, not to the forces of hate.

Kneeling for the Future

If FIFA refuses to uphold its own values, then it is up to the players to do it for them. Kneeling at the World Cup would be a direct challenge to those who spread division. It would keep Colin Kaepernick’s protest alive, proving that the fight for justice does not end just because a tournament begins.

The question is no longer whether the World Cup should be in the U.S. That decision has already been made. The question now is: Will the world use this moment to stand—or kneel—for what is right?

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas