Sheinbaum Attends Fan Fest to Watch World Cup Kickoff Instead of Zócalo
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum did not attend the Fan Fest at the Zócalo to watch the opening match of the 2026 World Cup with thousands of fans, opting instead for the Deportivo Los Galeana in the northern part of the capital. She arrived at the venue in Gustavo A. Madero accompanied by Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada. Dressed in a Mexican national team jersey with her name and the number 26 on the back, Sheinbaum was welcomed by hundreds of fans present. Although she initially intended to watch the match at the Zócalo, she had expressed doubts about her attendance due to anticipated protests in the area during the World Cup. Nearby, teachers from the National Coordinator of Education Workers had set up a protest camp, raising concerns that they might attempt to disrupt the Fan Fest in her presence. Ultimately, she went to a sports center located over 12 km from the Zócalo, one of eighteen venues equipped with screens to watch the match between Mexico and South Africa. Sheinbaum shared a video on her social media with the audience while watching the opening performance by Colombian singer Shakira on a screen. The president also gave her ticket for the first World Cup match to an indigenous girl, breaking a decades-long tradition where the host country's leader would attend the opening day of the sporting event. Mexico will be one of three host countries for the 2026 World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada. Mexico City will host the tournament's opening match at the Estadio Azteca, which will become the first stadium in the world to host three World Cup openings, following those in 1970 and 1986.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
