Sheinbaum launches contest to choose youth to represent Mexico in 2026 World Cup

Sheinbaum Announces Contest to Choose Representative at the 2026 World Cup Inauguration

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has revealed an exciting initiative aimed at young soccer players. The contest, called ‘Represent Mexico at the World Cup Opening’, will select the person who will represent the country at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup. The president will follow the event from the Zócalo in Mexico City, sharing the experience with the Mexican people.

“The contest is called ‘Represent Mexico at the World Cup inauguration.’ With what ticket? With the president’s ticket. It’s this ticket. 00001. I will be here in the Zócalo with the people watching the inauguration. While a young woman will represent me at the inauguration,” she affirmed.

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

The contest is open to women between 16 and 25 years old. Participants must demonstrate their skills with the ball by sending a video where they perform keepie uppies for one minute.

The choice of the representative seeks to highlight the role of women in football and promote equality in the sport. Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of giving visibility to women’s football, recalling that historically it was considered a sport exclusive to men. The jury will be composed of prominent figures from soccer and sports journalism in Mexico. Among them are referee Katia Itzel García, soccer player Charlyn Corral, and sports journalist Gabriela Fernández. The opening match of the World Cup, which will take place on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, will pit the national teams of Mexico and South Africa against each other.