Sheinbaum won’t attend any 2026 World Cup matches but royalty will be present in Mexico

With just over three weeks left before the 2026 World Cup kicks off — and with Mexico hosting the tournament’s opening match between El Tri and South Africa — President Claudia Sheinbaum has sparked conversation by confirming she will not attend any games.

During Monday’s morning press conference, Sheinbaum made her position clear: “I won’t be going to any game - not the inaugural match or any of the others.”

She added that although South Africa’s president will be in Mexico for the opener, she invited him instead to Palacio Nacional to discuss bilateral relations rather than attend the match together.

This isn’t the first time Sheinbaum hinted she might skip the tournament, but with the World Cup fast approaching, her absence is now definitive. As always, please confirm political information with a trusted source.

Spain’s King Felipe VI will attend matches in Mexico

In the same briefing, Sheinbaum confirmed that King Felipe VI of Spain will travel to Mexico to watch Spain’s World Cup fixtures on Mexican soil.

Spain will play one match in Guadalajara, facing Uruguay on June 26, the reigning European champions’ only game in Mexico during the group stage.

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