Mexico's Sheinbaum may meet Spain's King Felipe VI during World Cup

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated on Monday that she is exploring the possibility of meeting with Spain's King Felipe VI. The potential encounter could take place later this month in Jalisco, where the King is scheduled to attend the 2026 World Cup match between Spain and Uruguay.

"Yes to Jalisco, for now, yes, [King Felipe VI's] presence is confirmed. We are looking to see if we meet," Sheinbaum stated during her daily press conference in Mexico City. Such a meeting would represent another step in the gradual rapprochement between the two nations, following diplomatic strains that arose over Mexico's demand for an apology for colonial-era abuses.

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Yes to Jalisco, for now, yes, [King Felipe VI's] presence is confirmed. We are looking to see if we meet.

Relations between Mexico and Spain have been stabilizing in recent months. Tensions had previously flared when Sheinbaum chose not to invite the Spanish King to her inauguration, a diplomatic gesture justified by the monarch's refusal to respond to a letter from former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador seeking recognition for colonial abuses. However, Spanish authorities have since made overtures to mend bilateral ties. In March, King Felipe VI acknowledged that "much abuse" occurred during the conquest of the Americas, a statement welcomed by the Mexican government. Subsequently, Sheinbaum met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Barcelona in April, where they presented a united front.

This improved relationship has led to visits from high-ranking Spanish officials to Mexico. The Royal Household has confirmed King Felipe VI's attendance at the Spain-Uruguay match in Guadalajara. While Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup, Sheinbaum will not attend the opening match in the capital, opting instead to watch it with fans in the Zócalo plaza. She noted that few heads of state would attend the opening match due to domestic situations in their respective countries.

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much abuse