MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed she will be in attendance at Sunday’s World Cup final, accepting a personal invitation extended by U.S. President Donald Trump. The appearance will mark their first face-to-face meeting since December, following months of friction between the two leaders.
Notably, Sheinbaum had skipped the tournament’s opening match held in Mexico City, where her country’s national team defeated South Africa 2-0. Rather than attending herself, she passed her ticket along to a young Indigenous woman.
Speaking to Mexican media, Sheinbaum explained her decision: “I decided to go because it is a direct invitation from the president of the United States. Canadian Prime Minister (Mark) Carney will also be there, and tomorrow I will record a message with more details.”
The two heads of state have navigated a strained relationship, with disagreements spanning trade policy and security concerns. Their most recent in-person meeting took place at the World Cup draw event back in December.
This year’s World Cup marks a historic first, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada jointly hosting the tournament as three neighboring North American nations. The championship game will be played in New Jersey, where defending titleholders Argentina will face Spain in a bid for the trophy. Spain’s King Felipe VI is also anticipated to be among those in attendance.
