President Claudia Sheinbaum explained in her June 18 morning press conference that she only attended to deliver a welcome message at the FIFA-organized dinner in Castillo de Chapultepec. The event took place on June 10 to mark the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Sheinbaum detailed that FIFA rented Castillo de Chapultepec for more than one million pesos for the gala dinner. The president noted that the historic site has been rented for certain events for some time and that only personalities, former players and governors with FIFA invitations attended.
The president confirmed she received an invitation but declined to take part in the full dinner. She entered the castle, read a welcome message and left immediately, without staying for the rest of the event.
The evening featured elements of Mexican culture such as regional dances and mariachi music. Singer Alejandro Fernández performed songs, one day before singing the national anthem at Estadio Ciudad de México.
