Mexican Fan Acknowledges Racist Gesture After 2026 World Cup Match

Mon Jun 15 2026 10:53:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A video of a Mexican fan making a slanted‑eyes gesture at a Korean‑Czech match caused uproar, leading to an apology and removal from his engineering guild.

During the 2026 World Cup group‑stage match in Guadalajara, a fan was caught making a slanted‑eyes gesture that sparked widespread backlash on social media. The individual was identified as Mexican engineer Ulises Bernal Miramontes, who had served as president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of Jalisco. After the video circulated, Bernal issued a public apology and was subsequently removed from his guild position. The incident highlights how quickly socially‑mediated outrage can lead to real‑world consequences for sports fans and public figures. The match itself ended with South Korea defeating the Czech Republic 2‑1.

A viral clip shows a Mexican fan making a slanted‑eyes gesture during the June 11, 2026 World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic, a gesture widely recognized as an anti‑Asian slur.

The video, posted by a South Korean content creator, reached millions on Instagram and YouTube, drawing 65,000 comments and counting. Viewers condemned the act as hateful, demanding the fan face accountability.

Video analysis identified the individual as Ulises Bernal Miramontes, a Mexican engineer who formerly headed the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of Jalisco (CITGEJ). The guild formed a public statement following the outrage.

On Sunday, Bernal issued a written apology: “I sincerely regret everything this situation has caused. I have taken time to reflect on what happened and understand the responsibility I have.” He added that he had been removed from his guild position, acknowledging the severity of his actions.

South Korea won the match 2‑1, but the incident remains a stark reminder of how social media virality can compel rapid response from organizations and spotlight the ongoing fight against racism in sports. Organisers and fans alike call for zero tolerance for such behavior at future events.