President Donald Trump has invited Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final this Sunday, where Argentina will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Following an official event in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Sheinbaum confirmed on Friday that she will attend the match. The president mentioned she will depart Mexico on Saturday afternoon and return on Monday morning.
"I received an invitation from President Trump to attend the World Cup final on Sunday, and I decided to go since it is a direct invitation from the President of the United States. The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, will also be there," Sheinbaum stated.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to attend the event as well, following Trump's invitation. This gathering will bring together the leaders of the three nations hosting the tournament: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This marks the second occasion where all three leaders will convene in the same location. The first was on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, during the World Cup group draw, which was also the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Sheinbaum.
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, had announced that Trump confirmed his attendance at the final days prior. The President will participate in the trophy presentation alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and attended a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Friday.
Neither leader was present at the tournament's opening match. Trump delegated Secretary of State Marco Rubio to represent him, while Sheinbaum gifted her ticket to an indigenous girl who plays soccer.
Sheinbaum's visit occurs amid significant diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Mexico is preparing for the third round of T-MEC negotiations with the U.S., scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, July 21-23, in Mexico City.
This will be the first negotiation round following the six-year treaty review after Washington's decision on July 1 not to extend the agreement under its current terms for another 16 years, leaving it active until 2036 but subject to annual evaluations.
The bilateral relationship has been strained due to issues regarding cartels, tariffs, and migration, although Sheinbaum and Trump have had approximately 20 phone calls since January 2026 to address these matters.
From a sports perspective, Sunday's final presents an unprecedented matchup in World Cup history. Spain advanced by defeating France 2-0 on July 14 in Arlington, Texas, while Argentina overcame England 2-1 on July 15 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi will match Brazil's Cafu as the only player to compete in three World Cup finals, following those in 2014 and 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 World Cup Final
Who will be attending the World Cup final alongside Donald Trump?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the final alongside Donald Trump.
What teams are competing in the 2026 World Cup final?
Argentina and Spain will compete in the final match of the 2026 World Cup.
Why is Claudia Sheinbaum's visit to the U.S. significant?
Her visit is significant due to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Mexico and the U.S., particularly related to T-MEC negotiations.