President Claudia Sheinbaum accused media mogul Ricardo Salinas Pliego of planning to sabotage Mexico's image ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The allegation marks a high-profile escalation between the Mexican government and one of the country's most powerful media owners. Because the World Cup is a global stage for tourism and diplomacy, any internal instability could affect the event's success and the nation's international reputation.
During a morning press conference in Mexico City on May 25, 2026, Sheinbaum said Salinas Pliego intended to provoke chaos and violence [1, 2]. The president said that this alleged plan was designed to damage the image of the country just as it prepared to host the tournament. The warning was issued two days before the start of the 2026 World Cup [1].
Sheinbaum linked the mogul's motivations to financial disputes with the state. "There is a television owner who is angry about paying taxes," she said [2]. The president said that the government would not tolerate actions that jeopardize national security or the country's global standing. "We will not tolerate acts that put at risk the security and the image of the country," she said [3].
Salinas Pliego, the owner of TV Azteca, has not been directly quoted in the dossier, but the network responded to the allegations. TV Azteca said no such plan exists and denied any intention to sabotage the event [4].
The conflict highlights a recurring tension regarding tax obligations and the influence of private media empires in Mexico. Sheinbaum's decision to air these accusations during her daily "la mañanera" press conference serves as a public deterrent against potential disruptions during the sporting event.
“"There is a television owner who is angry about paying taxes."”
This confrontation underscores the volatile relationship between the Mexican presidency and private media conglomerates. By framing the dispute as a matter of national security and international image, the administration is signaling that it views corporate dissent—specifically when tied to tax evasion—as a potential threat to the state's stability during a high-stakes global event.
