SUMMARY
72% Approval Rating and Failure of the Digital Smear Campaign
An opinion poll conducted by the newspaper El Heraldo de México was presented, in which President Claudia Sheinbaum received a 72% approval rating. She pointed out that right-wing campaigns based on bots and misinformation have had no effect. She called for maintaining respect for the Army and for any protests to take place peacefully.
Mexico Stands Firm: Cooperation Yes, Intervention No
The President reiterated that Mexico will not allow a military intervention by the United States. Sheinbaum indicated that although Trump has suggested this possibility in private telephone calls, he has always received a categorical refusal. She explained that bilateral security cooperation will continue, but based on information exchange, mutual respect, and the full defense of national sovereignty.
Right to Protest Yes, Violence No
The President discussed last Saturday’s anti-government protests and reaffirmed that young people have the right to express themselves, but rejected the acts of aggression that occurred. She said that violence does not represent the people’s will or authentic social movements and denied any link between the shock groups and Morena, recalling that several of them also participated in the “Pink Tide” opposition protests in the past.
Social World Cup 2026: Soccer in the Squares and Tourism in One Click
The coordinator of the federal government’s efforts for the 2026 World Cup presented the Mexico 2026 Social World Cup, which will bring soccer to schools, public squares, and communities so the World Cup can be experienced throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism launched the “Conoce México” (Get to Know Mexico) app, which will allow visitors to explore more than 250 cultural, culinary, and ecotourism routes, with experiences ranging from artisan workshops to the Mayan Train.
Youth and Community onto the Field for the 2026 World Cup
Abraham Carro, director of the Mexican Youth Institute (IMJUVE), announced two national campaigns that will activate young people in community and creative tasks, starting on February 26, 2026, with the “Day of Tequios and Murals for Peace”.
Minister of Labor Marath Bolaños reported that 5,000 young people from the Youth Building the Future program will join World Cup-related tasks in tourism, hospitality, and cultural and sports activities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior announced that more than 4,000 courts and sports venues will be restored, consolidating the Mexico 2026 Social World Cup as a boost for community life and coexistence.
Training from the Classrooms, the Courts, and Science for the 2026 World Cup
Minister of Public Education Mario Delgado presented the Live Healthy, Play Happy School Cup, which will bring values, healthcare, and fair play to thousands of schools.
The National Sports Commission (CONADE) announced the largest soccer training ecosystem in the country, with 74 mini-world cups and six national cups to open opportunities for millions of young people.
The National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCYT) joined the Robotics Mini-World Cup, where children and young people will build robots that play soccer, uniting sports, science, and artificial intelligence on the road to 2026.
Culture and Community on the Road to the 2026 World Cup
The Ministry of Culture presented a cultural program that will renovate 12 National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) museums and rehabilitate 46 archaeological sites, to project Mexico as a cultural powerhouse during the World Cup.
Rocío García, head of the Integrated Family Development System (DIF), launched Soccer Ball for Peace, with 63 tournaments, 63 artistic expressions, 266 murals, and 377 soccer schools in priority areas, integrating art, sports, and community to strengthen identity and social cohesion on the road to 2026.
Inclusion and Well-Being on the Road to 2026
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) will organize three mini-world cups and one international cup for historically excluded sectors, beginning with the IMSS Women’s Futsal Mini-World Cup, with the goal of leaving a true legacy of inclusion and sports development throughout the country.
Minister of Health David Kershenovich presented Mook and Tojol, mascots inspired by Mayan culture that will promote muscular and bone health, promoting exercise, mobility, and prevention as part of the well-being approach that will accompany the 2026 World Cup.
Consumer Protection for the 2026 World Cup
Iván Escalante of the Federal Consumer Prosecutor’s Office (Profeco) presented measures to protect fans: World Cup tickets are now sold in Spanish and in Mexican pesos, and work is being conducted with FIFA on an official fair sale platform to prevent abuse and guarantee reasonable prices.
Related: Morning Presidential Press Conference. Monday, November 17, 2025
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
