President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that world leaders -from former U.S. President Trump to Spain’s King Felipe VI- praised El Tri’s strong performance and Mexican fans’ warmth during World Cup 2026. Mexico finished the group stage unbeaten with 3 wins, 9 points, and a 6-0 goal difference. Their last match was a 2-3 loss to England on July 6, 2026, a result that capped a near-flawless run.

What did Sheinbaum say about El Tri?

Speaking at her morning press conference, Sheinbaum revealed every guest at the World Cup final -including Trump, Canadian minister Mark Carney, and King Felipe VI- had glowing words for the Mexican national team. “Everyone congratulated us on how Mexico hosted the tournament: the fans’ joy, the organization, and the strong play on the pitch,” she said. The president also defended her decision to attend the closing ceremony in New York/New Jersey rather than the opening in Los Angeles, where she faced criticism for smiling with Trump. “If we hadn’t gone, they’d say we abandoned Mexico at a global event. If we did go, they’d ask why I smiled at Trump,” she argued.

Why did Mexico’s World Cup presence matter?

Sheinbaum stressed that attending the North American closing ceremony -where the three host nations wrapped up the event- was vital for diplomacy. “Sport opens doors: Spain’s King was there, and it shows that beyond political differences, there are spaces for coordination,” she noted. While acknowledging that opponents only seek to “attack, attack, attack,” she highlighted how Mexico’s image shone. El Tri ended with 6 goals scored and 0 conceded (+6 goal difference), leading their group by 5 points over South Africa.

What’s next for El Tri after World Cup 2026?

The president pointed to the tournament as proof Mexico can project itself abroad. “They want to discredit us, but we proved we can host like champions and compete hard on the field,” she said. As fans celebrated nationwide, Mexico’s recent form over five games stands at 4 wins and 1 loss, with the lone setback a 2-3 defeat to England. The focus now shifts to future tournaments, where the squad aims to lock in its defensive steel and attacking firepower.