MEXICO CITY (Kashmir English): Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced she would skip the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, 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,” Sheinbaum told reporters at a press conference.
In August, during FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to the country, the Mexican President said she would not be using the ticket. However, she has now announced to gift the coveted ticket number 00001 for the opening match of the tournament on June 11, 2026. The tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the U.S.
“We are deciding how we are going to choose, but I am going to give that ticket, the number 00001, to a girl so she can dream about football,” she added.
FIFA World Cup openers
President Sheinbaum recalled that Mexico City hosted World Cup openers in 1970 and 1986, making the Azteca Stadium the first venue in history to host three World Cup opening matches.
