| Keyword |
Description |
| Host nation |
The country that organizes a big event like the World Cup |
| Ceremony |
A formal event with speeches and special activities |
| To praise |
To say good things about someone or something because they have done something well or have good qualities |
President Claudia Sheinbaum went to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to help with the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, standing on stage with U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The three leaders, whose countries will host the tournament, took turns picking balls from glass bowls to decide the groups for Mexico, the United States and Canada. Mexico was placed in Group A with South Africa, South Korea and the winner of a European playoff, and the opening game will be at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, where Mexico will face South Africa. Sheinbaum received a free ticket to that first match from FIFA president Gianni Infantino and said she will give it to a young girl, showing a kind and inspiring gesture.
During the ceremony, Infantino asked Sheinbaum what it meant for Mexico to host the World Cup for the third time, and she said that Mexicans are very proud and described their country as exceptional, beautiful and magical, referring to the ancient “juego de pelota” that has been played for thousands of years. Sheinbaum traveled with leaders from Mexico City, Jalisco and Nuevo León, the regions where World Cup games will be held, and the event was the first time she met Trump in person.
A TV Azteca reporter asked Trump about the World Cup ceremony, and he used the moment to praise Sheinbaum, calling her a good woman and saying she is doing excellent work, which surprised many people. After the ceremony, Sheinbaum, Trump and Carney held a private mini-summit to talk about trade, because Trump’s sectoral tariffs had shaken economic relations and the USMCA trade deal will soon enter a review period, creating uncertainty about the future between the three countries.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Leader |
Líder |
| To inspire |
Inspirar |
| Ceremony |
Ceremonia |
Time to discuss
- Do big sports events like the World Cup help countries get along better?
- Why might a leader choose to praise another leader during a public event?
- Is it fair to use tariffs to pressure other countries in trade?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe how hosting a World Cup match could change the way people in other countries see your country.
- Explain whether you think politics and sports should stay separate or can be mixed, and give reasons.
