Sheinbaum praises Mexican soccer team despite World Cup exit

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered words of encouragement to the national soccer team following their elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, acknowledging their performance despite a 3-2 loss to England in the round of 16.

"Cheer up, the team played very well... they really gave us a lot of joy and played very well," Sheinbaum stated during her morning press conference. "The last goal was missing, but they played very well and gave all Mexicans a lot of joy." Her comments came after the team, managed by Javier Aguirre, concluded its tournament run and ended Mexico's hosting duties for the event.

The Mexican team reached the knockout stage after advancing from the group phase and defeating Ecuador. Their match against England, a tournament favorite, was considered one of their most competitive performances, though it ultimately resulted in their exit.

This World Cup was particularly significant for Mexico, marking the tournament's return to the country 40 years after the 1986 event. It also made Mexico the first nation to host matches in three men's World Cups, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986. Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey hosted 13 matches, including the opening game, showcasing the country's organizational capabilities.

Despite the team's elimination, the tournament generated considerable enthusiasm among Mexican fans. The national team's journey was met with widespread support in stadiums and fan zones across host cities. With Mexico's departure, England advanced to the next round, while the host nation exited the World Cup amidst fan recognition and a positive assessment from authorities regarding the team's overall role.

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Cheer up, the team played very well... they really gave us a lot of joy and played very well. The last goal was missing, but they played very well and gave all Mexicans a lot of joy.