Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum arrived in New York to attend the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at President Trump’s invitation, marking their first in-person meeting since December and a significant diplomatic gesture amid ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.
Sheinbaum announced her attendance on X on Friday, saying she would join the match between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. “I considered it politically important that the three countries hosting the World Cup are involved, and it is also a sign of the strong coordination and collaboration we have with the U.S. government,” she said, according to Reuters.
The decision marks a notable reversal for Sheinbaum, who previously pledged not to attend any World Cup game in solidarity with ordinary Mexicans who could not afford the steep ticket prices. Tickets to the final were listed at nearly $10,000 for the cheapest seats available on FIFA’s site, according to CBS News. In June, she had given her ticket to Mexico’s opening match to a young Indigenous woman rather than attend herself.
Trump and Sheinbaum last met at the World Cup draw in December 2025, according to the BBC. Since then, their relationship has been marked by public tensions alongside diplomatic coordination. In May, the State Department initiated a review of 53 Mexican consulates following the deaths of two CIA officers during an operation in Northern Mexico, according to CBS News. Weeks later, Trump announced the United States would not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until 2042, a key trade pact set for renegotiation.
The World Cup final comes as Mexico and Canada seek to convince Trump to extend the trilateral trade agreement. Trade negotiators from the United States and Mexico are scheduled to convene in Mexico City on Tuesday—two days after the final—for a third round of talks aimed at revamping the agreement, with key topics including steel, automotive, agriculture, and electronic payment systems, according to Reuters.
The 2026 World Cup marks the first time the tournament has been hosted jointly by three North American nations. Spain’s King Felipe VI is also expected to attend the final, according to reports. Trump has indicated he will present the trophy to the winning team.
Sources
- CBS News — Sheinbaum’s decision to attend, first meeting since December, trade tensions, ticket prices
- Reuters — Sheinbaum’s statement on X, her previous pledge not to attend, ticket prices, trade negotiations scheduled for Tuesday
- AP News — Confirmation of Sheinbaum’s attendance and Trump’s invitation
- BBC — First meeting at World Cup draw in December 2025
