Race, Reputation, and the Construction of Sporting Justice during the 2024–2026 FIFA World Cup Cycle
Football's Long Memory · Argentina 2024–2026 Football’s Long Memory Argentina, race, and the 2026 World Cup final Abstract — The 2024 to 2026 football cycle witnessed an unusual convergence of sporting achievement, racial controversy, political symbolism, and changing competitive dynamics. ✧ analysis · sociology of sport 📅 23 July 2026 Abstract The 2024 to 2026 football cycle witnessed an unusual convergence of sporting achievement, racial controversy, political symbolism, and changing competitive dynamics. Argentina entered the period as reigning FIFA World Cup champions and one of football’s most celebrated nations. Yet the celebrations that followed the 2024 Copa América became overshadowed by international criticism after midfielder Enzo Fernández appeared in a widely circulated video showing members of Argentina’s squad singing a chant con...