Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is staying true to her promises to recognize young athletes and has offered her ticket to the opening match of the 2026 World Cup as a giveaway.
On Tuesday, Sheinbaum presented ticket number 00001 of Mexico’s game against South Africa at the famous Azteca stadium on June 11 to a 21-year-old indigenous woman from Veracruz.
Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua earned her ticket by showing off her soccer skills in a government-sponsored contest in which young athletes could compete against each other in soccer. Speaking at the award ceremony, Sheinbaum honored the contest winners by stating, “They are the pride of Mexico. They will represent our country.”
In addition to the ticket for the opening match, Sheinbaum presented three other young amateur soccer players with tickets to games in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey; with the three awarded players ranging from 16-23.
Cervantes has expressed her gratitude to the President and her government for her gift and for the recognition she says that is being given to young athletes around the country, “I am very grateful for this ticket, and it is an honor that my effort is being recognized,” stated Cervantes.
Earlier this year, Sheinbaum stated that she would not be in attendance for the opening match because she felt it was better to reward younger Mexican soccer players with the opportunity to see and enjoy the World Cup.
In place of the ticket, Sheinbaum says she will be watching the game in the city’s Zocalo, a huge open square in the middle of the city, where there will be a large Fan Fest hosted. Many are proud of this presidential action, while others are critical; nonetheless, it highlights Sheinbaum’s commitment to the youth of Mexico.
