World Cup – Mbappe and France Condemn Racist Comments After Paraguay Match
World Cup – France forward Kylian Mbappe and the French Football Federation have strongly denounced racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after France’s World Cup last-16 victory over Paraguay. The comments, posted on X following the match, drew criticism from football authorities and the Paraguayan government.
FIFA World Cup racism response –
Mbappe reacted publicly to Amarilla’s remarks, calling them offensive and saying they were incompatible with the responsibilities of an elected representative. He said her comments did not reflect the character of Paraguay, whose players had earned respect for their performance and commitment during the tournament.
Mbappe Defends Paraguay’s World Cup Effort
The France captain said the senator’s remarks had shifted attention away from Paraguay’s historic run in the competition. He praised the team’s determination and said their achievements should not be overshadowed by discriminatory language from a public figure.
Mbappe added that he would continue to speak out against racism and hatred in football. His response came after France secured a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay to progress from the round of 16.
French Football Federation Seeks Legal Action
The French Football Federation described the senator’s statements as unacceptable and deeply offensive. In a statement, the federation said the comments targeted not only Mbappe but also the French national team and the country it represents.
The FFF said it planned to submit a report to prosecutors as part of possible legal action. It argued that racist comments should be addressed through the justice system, regardless of where they are made.
French football officials said players wearing the national shirt represent the country on the international stage, and attacks directed at them can carry wider consequences. The federation also reiterated its opposition to racism, discrimination and hate speech in sport.
Paraguay Government Rejects Senator’s Remarks
Paraguay’s government later issued a statement distancing itself from Amarilla’s comments. It said the senator’s views were her own and did not represent the position of the state or the Paraguayan people.
The government said the remarks were inconsistent with the principles of human dignity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. It also stressed that Paraguay remains committed to promoting equality and opposing racism, xenophobia, intolerance and all forms of discrimination.
In its statement, the government expressed support for people affected by the senator’s comments and reaffirmed its respect for France. It noted the longstanding relationship of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
France Set Up Morocco Quarter-Final
Mbappe played a decisive role in France’s victory over Paraguay, scoring from the penalty spot to secure the 1-0 result. The goal was his seventh of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and helped the two-time champions reach the quarter-finals.
France will now face Morocco in the next round as the tournament moves into its final stages. Paraguay’s campaign ended despite a disciplined performance that kept France under pressure for much of the match.
The controversy surrounding Amarilla’s comments has added to wider concerns about racism in football, with national authorities and governing bodies continuing to call for stronger action against discriminatory behaviour in and around the game.