Assumptions about natural differences between black and white athletes are entrenched in the global talent trade. Florian Schmetz/Unsplash With a Somali referee being denied entry into the US, and the surge of online racist abuse after 2026 World Cup matches, racism and exclusion in football are once again in the news. Overt anti-Black racism in football is well reported and researched. Less visible but important structural issues remain little scrutinised, though. The 2026 World Cup is a perfe