England fans warned FIFA could eject them over anti-Starmer chant at World Cup

England fans travelling to the 2026 World Cup in the United States have been warned they could be ejected from stadiums if they sing an X-rated chant directed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with FIFA’s rules explicitly prohibiting offensive and political expression at matches.

The chant — set to the tune of The White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army’ — was audible during England’s pre-tournament friendly in Orlando last week and has since been heard in bars around Dallas ahead of Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia at 9pm BST.

FIFA’s stadium code of conduct bans banners, flags, apparel, and language deemed offensive, discriminatory, or political, and warns supporters not to “use offensive language or gestures.” Fans who breach those rules risk being removed from the ground by stewards.

The anti-Starmer song has grown more common at England fixtures in recent months as the Prime Minister’s domestic approval ratings have fallen. Thomas Tuchel’s side begin their campaign against Croatia in Texas, with further Group L matches against Ghana and Panama to follow as England chase their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

A separate flag dispute is also creating difficulties for some supporters. Several fans whose St George’s Cross flags feature the silhouette of a British serviceman holding a rifle have reportedly been refused permission to display them inside venues, as the imagery breaches FIFA guidelines. Flags bearing poppies are understood to be permitted.

The FA has been in talks with FIFA to seek a resolution before kick-off. Supporters have been advised they may bring their flags to the stadium but should be prepared for stewards to turn them away at the gate — leaving fans who have spent hundreds of pounds on specially commissioned flags facing the prospect of finding last-minute storage or missing the match entirely.

An FA spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “We have advised our fans that FIFA can prevent flags with sensit—” The statement was not available in full at the time of publication.