Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified on Friday, June 12, 2026, that actress Salma Hayek attended the World Cup inauguration at Estadio Ciudad de Mexico as a guest of FIFA, not as a representative of the Mexican government. The president made the statement during her morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the decision to include Hayek in the World Cup opening ceremony was made exclusively by FIFA. The actress served as the Official Ambassador of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a role that placed her at the center of the international sporting event.
President Sheinbaum Addresses Questions About Hayek’s Role
During the press conference, President Sheinbaum directly addressed questions regarding Salma Hayek’s participation in the World Cup inauguration. The president was clear in distancing herself from the decision while simultaneously praising the Mexican-born actress for her achievements and her representation of Mexico on the global stage.
“I did not decide that. She was a FIFA guest. Salma Hayek was a FIFA guest and she did not go with the representation of the president,” Sheinbaum stated during the conference. The president continued, explaining that while Hayek is indeed a great representative of Mexico, her presence at the event was arranged by the international football organization.
The president expressed admiration for Hayek, noting the actress’s significant contributions to cinema and her status as a beloved figure among Mexican citizens. “All Mexicans love Salma Hayek very much. She has made wonderful films, she is a great representative in Hollywood, she is an ambassador of Mexico in the world,” Sheinbaum said.
FIFA Made the Decision, Not World Leaders
President Sheinbaum took care to clarify that the decision regarding country representatives at the FIFA event was not made by any head of state. The president specifically mentioned that neither U.S. President Trump nor Prime Minister Carney were involved in determining who would represent their respective countries at the inauguration.
“It was not President Trump, it was not Prime Minister Carney. It was a FIFA decision about who could represent the countries, and Salma represents Mexico very well,” Sheinbaum stated.
The president reiterated that the event was organized by FIFA and therefore the decisions about participation and representation fell under the jurisdiction of the international football governing body. “It is a FIFA decision, at a FIFA event,” she confirmed.
What We Know So Far
The confirmed facts surrounding Salma Hayek’s participation in the World Cup inauguration are as follows: The actress attended the opening ceremony at Estadio Ciudad de Mexico. She was present as a guest of FIFA, the international organization responsible for organizing the World Cup. Hayek held the official title of Ambassador of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
President Sheinbaum confirmed that Hayek did not attend the event as a representative of the Mexican president or the Mexican government. The invitation and decision to include Hayek came directly from FIFA, not from any government official from the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup.
The clarification was made during the president’s regular morning press conference, a daily event held at the National Palace in Mexico City where the president addresses journalists and the public on various matters.
Salma Hayek’s Role as Official Ambassador
Salma Hayek’s designation as the Official Ambassador of the 2026 FIFA World Cup placed her in a prominent position during the tournament’s inauguration. The Mexican actress and film producer has built an extensive career in Hollywood, becoming one of the most recognized Mexican talents in the international entertainment industry.
President Sheinbaum acknowledged Hayek’s status as a cultural ambassador for Mexico, even while clarifying that her World Cup role was separate from any government appointment. The president’s comments reflected appreciation for Hayek’s contributions to Mexican representation abroad while maintaining the distinction between FIFA’s invitation and official government representation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Context
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted jointly by three North American countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The inauguration ceremony took place at Estadio Ciudad de Mexico, one of the venues selected for the tournament.
As the Official Ambassador of the tournament, Salma Hayek’s presence at the opening ceremony aligned with her designated role by FIFA. The clarification from President Sheinbaum served to distinguish between Hayek’s FIFA-appointed position and any potential perception that she was representing the Mexican government in an official capacity.
What Happens Next
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with matches scheduled across the three host nations. Salma Hayek, as the Official Ambassador of the tournament, may continue to participate in World Cup-related events as determined by FIFA.
President Sheinbaum’s morning press conferences continue to be held at the National Palace, where she addresses questions from the media on various national and international topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Salma Hayek representing President Sheinbaum at the World Cup?
No. President Sheinbaum clarified that Salma Hayek attended the World Cup inauguration as a FIFA guest, not as a representative of the Mexican president or government.
Why was Salma Hayek at the World Cup opening ceremony?
Salma Hayek attended because she serves as the Official Ambassador of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA invited her to participate in the inauguration at Estadio Ciudad de Mexico.
Who decided that Salma Hayek would participate in the World Cup inauguration?
According to President Sheinbaum, FIFA made the decision. She stated that neither she, President Trump, nor Prime Minister Carney determined who would represent the countries at the FIFA event.
What is Salma Hayek’s official role in the 2026 World Cup?
Salma Hayek holds the title of Official Ambassador of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a position designated by FIFA for the international tournament.
President Sheinbaum’s clarification during her Friday morning press conference addressed questions about the nature of Salma Hayek’s participation in the World Cup inauguration. The president confirmed that while Hayek represents Mexico admirably on the world stage, her presence at the Estadio Ciudad de Mexico event was the result of a FIFA invitation tied to her role as Official Ambassador of the 2026 tournament.
