2026 World Cup: FIFA gives out very first ticket

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced she will give away the complimentary ticket she received for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.

Sheinbaum disclosed during her Friday morning press conference, a day after welcoming FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the National Palace, where they discussed preparations for the global tournament.

Infantino presented her with a giant replica of Ticket No. 00001, labelled Row 1, Seat 1, for the inaugural match scheduled to take place at Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca) on June 11, 2026, alongside the opening ceremonies.

“I’m thinking of giving the ticket to a young girl who likes soccer and wouldn’t have an opportunity to come to the stadium,” Sheinbaum said.

She added, “It’s going to be a very important moment for Mexico. The eyes of the world will be upon us and, as always, Mexico’s people will be generous and filled with joy."

Mexico will become the first nation to host three different World Cups, having staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986.

This time, it will serve as a joint host with Canada and the United States, staging 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

The Mexican Football Federation projects that the tournament will generate an economic windfall of US $3 billion, creating about 24,000 jobs, with tourism revenues expected to surpass US $1 billion from an estimated 5.5 million visitors.

Sheinbaum’s decision to gift away the ticket underlines her emphasis on inclusion, ensuring the global spectacle benefits ordinary citizens, not just dignitaries.

In addition to the ticket, Infantino presented her with a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, symbolising Mexico’s central role in the historic event.

The opening match is expected to draw record global viewership, with estimates as high as 6 billion people tuning in worldwide.