Mexico's President Skips World Cup Opener to Stand with the People

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has addressed criticism over her absence from the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. She explained that she chose to give her ticket to a young woman, with some seats costing up to 120,000 pesos. Sheinbaum defended her decision by stating, 'We don’t need to rub shoulders with the elite.' Instead, she emphasised her commitment to the people, declaring, 'What we need is to always stand with the people, close to the people.'

She linked this stance to her administration’s broader philosophy, calling it the Fourth Transformation. According to her, the political equation in Mexico has shifted. 'I’m a physicist. The equation has changed: Before, they governed for the few, but now we govern for and by the people of Mexico,' she said.

Zoé Robledo, director of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), praised her choice to prioritise the public. Sheinbaum also asserted that her government operates without corruption, allowing resources to go further. She added, 'Those who don’t believe in Mexico, who don’t love Mexico—they lose on the field, they lose in life, and they lose in politics.' The president’s actions and statements reinforce her focus on governance for the many, not the privileged. Her decision to skip the ceremony and redistribute the ticket reflects this approach. The move has drawn both support and scrutiny from the public and political figures.