Diego Luna, best known for his roles in Narcos and Rogue One, has delivered a blistering critique of FIFA. In a recent interview with Fotogramas, the Mexican actor stated: “Corruption has completely painted football.” The statement came as he promotes his new Netflix film Mexico 86. The film is set against the 1986 World Cup and the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
The interview is blunt. Luna argued that FIFA’s governance is structurally flawed. He questioned the 2026 World Cup hosting process, which will see matches played in the US, Canada, and Mexico. “The system is broken,” he said. “We need a redemption arc, not just a tournament.”
Mexico 86 is more than a film for Luna. It serves as a vehicle for political commentary. As both actor and producer, he uses the narrative to mirror real-world institutional rot. The 1985 earthquake and the subsequent World Cup become metaphors for resilience and corruption. Production took place in Mexico and Spain.
Luna’s activism extends beyond the pitch. He will participate in the San Sebastian Film Festival alongside Fernanda Tovar and Fernando Eimbcke. Their film Ceniza en la boca (Ash in the Mouth) is a migration drama competing at the festival. The story tackles systemic injustice affecting Mexican migrants in Spain. It complements his FIFA critique by addressing similar themes of power abuse.
The 2026 World Cup presents a potential turning point. The tri-national structure—US, Canada, Mexico—is unprecedented. Luna expressed cautious optimism. “Hope exists,” he said. “But only if transparency replaces the old guard.” The tournament must distance itself from past scandals, including the 2015 corruption indictments that shook FIFA.
Luna’s legacy is dual: actor and activist. He consistently challenges power, whether in Hollywood or global football. His film projects form a coherent critique of corruption, migration, and social justice. The 2026 World Cup is a test. FIFA’s promised redemption remains unproven.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Diego Luna say about FIFA corruption?
- A: Diego Luna stated that ‘corruption has completely painted football’ and argued that FIFA’s governance is structurally flawed, calling the system ‘broken’.
- Q: How does the film Mexico 86 relate to FIFA and real-world issues?
- A: Mexico 86 uses the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and the 1986 World Cup as metaphors for resilience and corruption, serving as a vehicle for political commentary on institutional rot.
- Q: What is Diego Luna’s view on the 2026 World Cup?
- A: Luna expressed cautious optimism about the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, but emphasized that a ‘redemption arc’ is needed beyond just hosting a tournament.
- Q: What other activism is Diego Luna involved in?
- A: Luna is participating in the San Sebastian Film Festival with the migration drama Ceniza en la boca, which tackles systemic injustice affecting Mexican migrants in Spain, complementing his critique of power abuse.
Extended Reading
For additional context, the Fotogramas interview details Luna’s full FIFA critique. The Hollywood Reporter coverage of his San Sebastian appearance provides further insight into his film activism. The El Mañana article on Ceniza en la boca outlines the migration drama’s plot and its festival competition.