BBC Africa Today

World Cup: How hate-watching reflects social tensions

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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, we look at the rise of hate-watching across parts of the continent. The trend was especially visible when Mexico faced South Africa at the opening game last week. Some African fans, especially on social media, openly backed Mexico against Bafana Bafana citing the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration sentiments in South Africa. We explain what hate-watching is and how off-pitch tensions shape fan loyalties.

And a new study is aiming to provide medical insights into treating kidney disease in West Africa.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Godwin Asediba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
15 Jun 11AM English United Kingdom News

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