Mexican President Claudio Sheinbaum has announced a unique and heartwarming gesture for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. She plans to donate her personal ticket for the opening day of the prestigious tournament, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, to a girl or young woman who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend.
“I have already decided,” President Sheinbaum stated at a recent news conference. “I will hand over my ticket on the opening day of the World Cup to a girl or young woman who cannot afford it, or has no chance to watch the game, and who truly loves football.”
This compassionate decision by the Mexican President aims to highlight opportunities and promote the value and inclusion of women within both the realm of football and society at large.
Adding an interesting layer to this announcement, Gianni Infantino, the 63-year-old President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), who visited Mexico in August, had reportedly already announced that President Sheinbaum would not be using her own ticket to participate in the opening day of the 2026 World Cup. President Sheinbaum’s ticket itself carries a special significance, marked with the unique code number 00001, assigned by FIFA to represent her official title as the President of Mexico.
The highly anticipated opening match involving the Mexican national football team is scheduled to take place on June 11, 2026. On the very same day, the national teams of the United States and Canada will also commence their respective tournament journeys as co-hosts of the expanded global event.
Furthermore, President Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico’s iconic Azteca Stadium will make history by becoming the first venue ever to host three FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies. The legendary stadium previously welcomed the start of the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, solidifying its place in footballing lore.
