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

Sheinbaum Announces Competition to Represent Mexico in the 2026 World Cup

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has revealed a contest to select the person who will represent the country at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, she will follow the event from the Zócalo in Mexico City. The contest, titled “Represent Mexico at the World Cup Opening”, will award a ticket to attend the opening event.

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

Claudia Sheinbaum

The president explained that this initiative seeks to give prominence to the young female soccer players of the country. The decision underlines the importance of female representation in sports and seeks to promote equality.

“I think a young woman who plays soccer is a great representative of our country. Very few people will be able to go to the inauguration. Very few people. So, I’m going to watch it here with the people. And a young woman is going to represent us, is going to represent me and the people of Mexico at the inauguration,” she assured.

Claudia Sheinbaum

Contest Details

The contest is aimed at women between 16 and 25 years old. Participants must submit a video demonstrating their skill with the ball, performing keepie uppies for one minute. The jury will be composed of prominent figures from soccer and sports journalism in Mexico. Among them are the Mexican referee Katia Itzel García, the soccer player Charlyn Corral, and the sports journalist Gabriela Fernández.

The initiative seeks to promote equality in sports and give visibility to women’s soccer.

“Remember that football for many years was thought to be for men,” said the president, who added that, although the situation has changed, there are still inequalities in the recognition and conditions for the players.

Claudia Sheinbaum

The opening match of the World Cup, which will be played on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, will pit the national teams of Mexico and South Africa against each other.