Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she will attend the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, following a direct invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump. This event marks their first meeting since December after months of verbal sparring between the two leaders.

Sheinbaum had not attended the World Cup's opening match in Mexico City, where Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0. She told Mexican media, "I decided to go because it is a direct invitation from the president of the United States."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is also expected to attend the final. Sheinbaum indicated she would provide more details soon, stating, "Canadian Prime Minister (Mark) Carney will also be there, and tomorrow I will record a message with more details."

The invitation and meeting come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Mexico, including disputes over security and trade. In May, the U.S. State Department initiated a review of 53 Mexican consulates in the United States following the deaths of two CIA officers during an operation in Northern Mexico.

In June, President Trump announced that the United States would not extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a key trade pact, until 2042. Bilateral negotiations on trade issues are scheduled to resume two days after the World Cup final.

Tickets for the final were listed at nearly $10,000 for the cheapest seats on FIFA's website by Saturday afternoon.

Sources