President Sheinbaum Celebrates El Tri's World Cup Victory, Addresses Fan Turnout and Other Issues

President Claudia Sheinbaum opened her Friday morning press conference by congratulating the Mexican men's football team, known as El Tri, for their 2-0 victory over South Africa. The match marked the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. Sheinbaum expressed that the win brought happiness to the people of Mexico.

Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez reported substantial fan engagement, with 100,000 spectators at the FIFA Fan Festival in Mexico City's Zócalo and an additional 200,000 at viewing sites across the capital's 16 boroughs. Tens of thousands more attended FIFA Fan Festivals in Monterrey and Guadalajara. President Sheinbaum watched the match from a fan festival in the northern Mexico City borough of Gustavo A. Madero.

Sheinbaum explained her decision not to attend the World Cup opener at the stadium, stating that she chose to give her ticket to the winner of a government-run soccer ball juggling competition open to young Mexican women.

The president briefly acknowledged demonstrations and clashes near the stadium on Thursday. She suggested that some sought to "show another image of Mexico," but maintained that "the image of Mexico is happiness."

Regarding the appearance of actress Salma Hayek at the opener, Sheinbaum clarified that she did not make that decision. She noted that FIFA independently selects country representatives for its events, implying it was FIFA's call.

According to Mexico News Daily, the President's comments covered the success of the World Cup opening day and her remarks on various related issues.