Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion has revealed that 54,771 hate and xenophobic posts were published on social media between June 11 and July 21 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with more than half linked directly to the tournament.
According to the ministry, approximately 28,100 posts, representing more than 52% of the total, were related to the World Cup.
The report identified the Morocco national football team and Spain international Lamine Yamal as the main targets of online hate and xenophobic abuse throughout the tournament.
The findings highlight the continued rise of discriminatory content on social media during major sporting events, raising concerns about racism, xenophobia and online abuse directed at players and national teams.
Spanish authorities said the data forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor and combat hate speech online, particularly during high profile events that attract global audiences.
