Spain’s farewell to the fans before the 2026 World Cup became arguably the most shameful night in national team history for the past two decades. What should have been a celebration before La Roja head to the United States as one of the favourites was marred by Islamophobic chants at the RCDE Stadium.
The chants happened on two occasions in the first half, and once in the second, with a numerous fans participating in the chorus of ‘Who doesn’t jump is a muslim‘. The incidents were heavily criticised by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente after the match, and Royal Spanish Football Federation(RFEF) President Rafael Louzan condemned them, but referred to it as an isolated incident.
It has not passed people by that Lamine Yamal, one of Spain’s best players, is also a muslim. Camera shots of the teenage star looking desolate on the bench were shown in the second half, and already in the first he was looking down by the end of the half when he was on the pitch. As Spain’s players bid farewell to the fans for the final time before heading to the World Cup, Lamine Yamal exited the pitch on his own, heading straight for the dressing room.
After Islamophobic chants at the RCDE Stadium last night during Spain's 0-0 draw with Egypt, Lamine Yamal left the pitch without partaking in Spain's farewell lap to the fans.
— Football España (@footballespana_) April 1, 2026
As reported by Cadena SER, Lamine Yamal left the stadium through one of the concealed exit, accompanied by a member of security. The 18-year-old left looking disconsolate at the events during the match. Lamine Yamal has received racist persecution beforehand at the Santiago Bernabeu, but this is the first time that it has come from his own fanbase.
🗯 "Tenemos que ayudar entre todos para que se erradiquen de los campos de fútbol".
Pedri condena los insultos racistas durante el España-Egipto.
🔗 🔗
— ElDesmarque (@eldesmarque) March 31, 2026
After the match, Pedri also condemned the chants, noting that it was time to eradicate them.
“We do not condone any racist chants; we dislike them and do not support them in any way. We all need to work together to eradicate them from football stadiums.”
