Mexico's Sheinbaum to attend World Cup final after Trump invitation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Friday that she will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York this Sunday, accepting a direct invitation from United States President Donald Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is also expected to be present at the match, which will feature Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium.

Sheinbaum confirmed her attendance during an interview with media following an event in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. She stated that she had received the invitation from President Trump and decided to accept it. "I received an invitation from President Trump to go on Sunday to the World Cup final and I made the decision to attend because it is a direct invitation from the President of the United States. Prime Minister (Mark) Carney will also be there," Sheinbaum told reporters.

The president mentioned that she has already secured her travel arrangements, planning to depart Saturday afternoon and return Monday morning. She also indicated that she would record a message on Saturday to provide further details. Sheinbaum had previously scheduled a press conference for Sunday regarding sargassum, which she will now hold on Saturday.

This decision contrasts with Sheinbaum's absence from the World Cup's opening match held in Mexico. For that event, she chose to give her ticket to an indigenous girl who plays soccer. She had also attended football festivals in Mexico City to watch Mexico's matches.

Sheinbaum's trip occurs as the Mexican government prepares for the third round of negotiations with the United States regarding the USMCA trade agreement. These talks are scheduled for next week in Mexico City. The USMCA treaty, following its six-year review, remains in effect until 2036 but is subject to annual evaluations after the US decided not to extend the agreement under its current terms for another 16 years.