Claudia Sheinbaum provides ticket to young fan and skips World Cup opener
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 7:51 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, did not attend the World Cup opener at Azteca Stadium on June 12. She cited the prohibitive cost of match tickets as a reason for her absence. Instead of using her ticket, Sheinbaum gave it to a young female soccer fan, stating her desire to celebrate the event with someone who truly loves football. She emphasized the importance of accessibility for the public in attending such events.
- •Sheinbaum was absent during Mexico's opening match against South Africa.
- •Tickets were deemed too expensive for most Mexicans.
- •She gifted her ticket to a young female soccer enthusiast.
- •She intends to celebrate with the people rather than attending in person.
- 7:51 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Tickets are very expensive’: Mexican president Sheinbaum explains why she did not attend World Cup opener
"President gave ticket to a young female soccer fan ‘I gave it to someone who couldn’t go, who loves football’ The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, explained on Friday why she was absent from the Azteca Stadium during Mexico’s opening match with South Africa, saying that tickets to the match were unaffordable for most Mexicans and that she had given her ticket to a young female soccer fan. “Stadium tickets are very expensive,” Sheinbaum said during her daily morning news conference. “As president it’s better that I give my place to someone who couldn’t have gone, who loves football, especially a young woman, and I can celebrate it with the people for free.” Continue reading...
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