Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to give prime World Cup ticket to young girl
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during the official presentation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Los Pinos Cultural Complex.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Nov 10 she would skip the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, choosing instead to give her premium seat to a young female fan who could not otherwise afford to attend.
“I’ve made a decision. I’m going to give my ticket to the opening ceremony to a girl or young woman who doesn’t have the opportunity to attend and who loves football,” she told a press conference.
During Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s visit to the country in August, Ms Sheinbaum said she would not be using the ticket. However, she has now decided to gift the coveted ticket No. 00001 for the match on June 11, which kicks off the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
“We are deciding how we are going to choose, but I am going to give that ticket, the No. 00001, to a girl so she can dream about football,” she added.
The president recalled that Mexico City hosted World Cup openers in 1970 and 1986, making the Azteca Stadium the first venue in history to stage three opening matches.
Ms Sheinbaum also highlighted the planned activities and investment in infrastructure in the co-host cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey. However, she did not specify the projects or funding amounts involved.
She did, however, confirm that the infrastructure projects will be completed in time for the global football showpiece.
According to a report from ESPN, the federal government is also investing US$489 million ($636.6 million) in the renovation of the Mexico City airport.
“This is not only a time to see the best soccer but also a time to share with the world who we are, what Mexico is – not only a country of immense cultural richness, but also a country experiencing a historic moment,” said Ms Sheinbaum, who became Mexico’s first female president in 2024.
She also said Mexico expects an additional 5.5 million visitors across the three host cities.
“It will be a very special time with a significant economic impact, but we will be ready in a few months,” she said. REUTERS
