The Spanish women’s soccer squad issued an apology to the Maori community after a recent incident sparked by a video in which actors danced a traditional Maori haka, a ceremonial ritual tied to the indigenous people of Aotearoa. The moment unfolded amid ongoing discussions about cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities that come with representing a diverse nation on the world stage. The event took place in Palmerston North, New Zealand, a city that warmly welcomed the Spanish team as they prepare for a global tournament hosted across New Zealand and Australia.
During the official welcome in Palmerston North, the team’s captain Ivana Andrés expressed gratitude for the kind reception and for the opportunity to learn about the Maori culture and the New Year celebration known as Matariki. Andrés used the platform to acknowledge mistakes and to reaffirm a commitment to grow, learn, and demonstrate greater cultural respect in the days ahead.
Andrés noted that the squad of 23 players will approach Matariki with renewed spirit. She called for enjoyment, teamwork, and perseverance as the group works toward shared success while apologizing for missteps in order to improve each day.
The controversy had followed the release of a video featuring four players seemingly mimicking the haka. The dance, steeped in Maori tradition, symbolizes pride, strength, and unity for the tribe. The depiction drew strong reactions from Maori communities who felt the portrayal did not honor the cultural significance of the ritual.
In addressing the issue, the team emphasized that their stay in Aotearoa forms part of a broader learning experience about Maori customs, language, and ceremony. The players admitted that their short time in the country did not grant full understanding, and they pledged to listen more closely to community voices and elders as they move forward.
Morning activities included the entire squad, along with head coach Jorge Vilda and the rest of the coaching staff, taking part in the official World Cup welcome ceremonies. The tournament itself is scheduled to begin on July 20, with teams gathering in preparation for competition across multiple venues. The reception in Palmerston North featured songs, rituals, and performances drawn from Maori culture, with many of the remarks delivered in the Maori language to emphasize inclusion and respect.
Grant Smith, the mayor of Palmerston North, extended a heartfelt welcome to the Spanish delegation and wished them good fortune in the tournament. The moment underscored a shared goal: to enjoy the journey, honor host communities, and compete with integrity on the world stage. The Spanish delegation presented symbolic gifts to Maori representatives as a sign of appreciation for the hospitality and the chance to display goodwill during this international event.
The gesture of presenting a shield, interpreted as a symbol of mana — embodying dignity, ancestral lineage, and collective effort — was highlighted as a reminder of the hard work and sacrifices that make this World Cup possible on foreign soil. The team’s players stressed the idea that the shield stands for a sense of belonging and pride in representing Spain while respecting the land and its people.
The World Cup group stage schedule places Spain in Group C, with the opening match set against Costa Rica at the Regional Stadium in Wellington. The squad will then travel to Auckland for a second match before facing Zambia on July 26. The group will conclude with a match at Wellington against Japan on July 31, before the knockout rounds begin.