‘Power of Black’: Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Racist’ Post on France Football Team Amid FIFA World Cup 2026 Sparks Outrage
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan faces severe backlash for his 'Power of Black' tweet about the French football team's racial makeup during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The controversial remarks on July 6, 2026, sparked accusations of racism, drawing sharp criticism from netizens and igniting a global debate over nationality vs. race in sports.
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has found himself at the centre of a massive controversy following a tweet regarding the French national football team's lineup at the FIFA World Cup 2026. His remarks, which focused on the racial composition of the squad, have drawn sharp criticism and ignited a heated debate across social media platforms, with many netizens slamming the veteran actor for making what they perceive as a racist statement. Kylian Mbappe Brushes Aside Lionel Messi Comparisons, Star France Forward Says, 'He's Going To Score More Goals'.
What Did Amitabh Bachchan Say in His Tweet About French Football Team?
The controversy erupted on July 6, 2026, when Amitabh Bachchan posted on X (formerly Twitter) about France's starting eleven. The tweet, bearing his signature 'T' series number, read: "T 5794 - Let me say it: the French WC 2026 football team.. the FRENCH!! 11 players in team.. 10 Black..!! 1 white!!? the POWER of BLACK".
Check Out Amitabh Bachchan's Tweet on France Football
T 5794 -अब कहे देते हैं :
the French WC 2026 football team .. the FRENCH !!
11 players in team ..
10 Black .. !!
1 white !!?
the POWER of BLACK 💪 💪
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 6, 2026
This observation, made during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, specifically appeared to reference France's lineup in their group-stage match against Norway, where left-back Theo Hernandez was reportedly the only 'white' player. Another potential reference point was their Round of 16 clash against Paraguay on July 4, where Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Digne were identified as players of white ancestry in the starting XI. Bachchan's tweet quickly went viral, becoming one of the most discussed topics on the platform.
Netizen Reactions
The immediate aftermath of Bachchan's tweet saw a deluge of "mixed reactions", but predominantly, it triggered "widespread outrage" among netizens. Critics were quick to accuse the veteran actor of "reducing the French national team to the skin colour of its players", arguing that footballers should be identified by their nationality rather than their race. Many users described the post as "insensitive and unnecessary".
Amitabh Bachchan Faces Backlash Over Comment on France Football Team Amid FIFA World Cup 2026
Uncle, France team ko "Team Africa with one French visa" bol dete toh better hota ....
— Dr Bikash (@bikash_munduri) July 6, 2026
Another User Wrote
Unfortunately we don't have our own team to support in football world cup ... What a downfall of a legend by Racist thought ...
— Napoleon Bonaparte (@Mubin145) July 7, 2026
‘They Are French – Period!’
Why go racist?
They are French - period!!
— BombayFirst (@BombayFirst) July 7, 2026
Seems Like a Genuine Question
Apka account hack hogya kya?
— Ishrat Noori (@ishratn00ri) July 6, 2026
Several commentators highlighted that France has long been a multicultural nation, with a diverse squad whose members, regardless of their heritage, were born and raised in France. They contended that Bachchan's tweet overlooked this diversity and implicitly questioned the players' identity. While a section of users did defend Bachchan, suggesting he was "merely stating a fact", the prevailing sentiment online was one of condemnation, reigniting a familiar debate about race, nationality, and representation in football that often surfaces during major tournaments.
French Team in FIFA World Cup 2026
Amidst the social media storm, the French national team, Les Bleus, continues its impressive run in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Under the guidance of head coach Didier Deschamps, the team secured their spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 match held on Saturday, July 4. Captain Kylian Mbappe netted the decisive goal from the penalty spot, securing their progression. ‘I’m Sorry Ronaldo’: IShowSpeed Breaks Down Amid Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement Buzz and Portugal Exit From FIFA World Cup 2026; Heartbreaking Video Goes Viral – WATCH.
Their upcoming challenge sees them face reigning African champions Morocco in the last eight, with the quarter-final match scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. The team's performance remains a key talking point, both on and off the field.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2026 11:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
