President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated the Mexican national football team on Monday, July 6, 2026 [1], following their elimination from the FIFA World Cup.
The president's support comes at a critical moment for the national team, as the elimination by England [1] marks the end of Mexico's campaign in a tournament where they served as co-hosts.
Sheinbaum praised the athletes for their performance and the spirit they displayed throughout the competition. She said the team provided a sense of pride and joy to millions of citizens across the country.
"Nos dieron mucha alegría y jugaron bien," Sheinbaum said [2].
Despite the loss, the president emphasized that the effort of the players remained a source of national inspiration. She said the team's presence in the tournament brought significant happiness to the public [3].
Sheinbaum also said that she intends to seek a formal meeting with the players to recognize their hard work personally [2]. In her address to the nation, she urged citizens to maintain a spirit of responsibility while celebrating the team's achievements [4].
The president's message aimed to shift the focus from the disappointment of the defeat to the positive impact the team had on the national mood. She said her support for the squad remains unwavering, regardless of the tournament outcome [5].
“"Nos dieron mucha alegría y jugaron bien"”
By publicly praising the team immediately after a high-profile loss, President Sheinbaum is attempting to mitigate national disappointment and preserve the positive cultural momentum generated by hosting the 2026 World Cup. Her call for responsible celebration and a desire for a personal meeting suggests a strategy of using the national team as a tool for social cohesion and national unity, even in the face of sporting failure.
