Spain are hoping to put themselves in a strong position to challenge for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title this coming summer, where they are expected to be one of the top contenders for the famous trophy.
In their final match before head coach Luis de la Fuente will name his final roster for this summer's competition, La Roja played out a drab 0-0 draw with African giants Egypt to close out the March international window.
The match was meant to be held in Qatar, but military violence in the Middle East forced a change of venue, with the match held in Barcelona.
Spain fans numbered just under 35,000 at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, the home of La Lide side Espanyol. However, their actions in the match did not exactly cover themselves in glory, marring what could have been a positive send-off for the national team prior to the coming World Cup.
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What did Spain fans chant during Egypt game?
Spain fans chanted anti-Muslim songs during the first half of Spain's friendly against Egypt at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The supporters chanted "anyone who doesn't jump is a Muslim" throughout the opening 45 minutes as part of their song routine.
While the chant was likely directed at the opposition, as Egypt are a predominantly Muslim country, it has drawn critiques from those around the football community.
😡 Shameful chants from the Spanish fans during the Spain-Egypt friendly:
🔉 “Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim.” 🤯 pic.twitter.com/iTEyjROWml
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) March 31, 2026
Why did Lamine Yamal criticise Spain fans?
Spain superstar Lamine Yamal has posted to social media his own frustration at the Spain chant, being that he is of Muslim faith.
"I am Muslim, alhamdulillah (thanks be to God)," Lamine posted on Instagram after the match. "In the stadium there were chants of 'If you don't jump, you're a Muslim.' I know it was against the opposition and nothing personal, but as a Muslim it is still disrespectful and completely intolerable.
"I understand it's not all supporters, but to those that that chant these things: to use religion as a way of mocking others inside a stadium is ignorant and racist. Football is to be enjoyed, to show your support, not to disrespect others for who they are or what they believe in."
The 18-year-old was born in Barcelona to parents of African descent. His father is from Morocco while his mother hails from Equatorial Guinea.
What has been the reaction to the Spain chant?
A host of key figures have come out against the chant and in support of Lamine Yamal.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said after the game, "I feel total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitudes. They are intolerable."
The sports minister in Catalonia, Berni Alvarez, told reporters that "It's normal that he's affected by what happened. We will try and support him if we can make contact with him. What happened was deplorable. It's an extremely serious issue which we absolutely condemn. It's a massive step backwards."
Meanwhile, members of the local police force in Barcelona said they were investigating the chants, which they stated were "Islamophobic and xenophobic."