| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| El Tri | Nickname for the Mexican national soccer team. |
| World Cup | The biggest international soccer tournament held every four years. |
| Prestigious | Something or someone that is highly respected and admired, usually because of being important, influential, or high quality. |
On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum led a ceremonial sendoff for El Tri, at the Mexican Soccer Federation’s High Performance Center in southern Mexico City. This ceremony marked the team’s preparation for the World Cup, where they will represent Mexico on the global stage. President Sheinbaum presented the national flag to Guillermo Ochoa, a seasoned goalkeeper attending his sixth World Cup.
The event included a pledge of allegiance led by Sheinbaum, who encouraged the team to uphold the values of independence, honor, and integrity symbolized by the flag. In her speech, she expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities and wished them success, highlighting the importance of their example in inspiring millions of Mexicans.
A notable aspect of this sendoff was the absence of a similar ceremony before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a baseball enthusiast, did not organize it. This interrupted a tradition that began in 1998. However, Sheinbaum revived the tradition this year, sharing her enthusiasm with players and officials.
El Tri is set to play against South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at Mexico City’s famous Estadio Azteca, rebranded as the Mexico City Stadium for the duration of the tournament. This game will be a significant moment, as it mirrors the teams’ encounter 16 years ago in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Mexico is grouped with South Korea and the Czech Republic, with upcoming matches scheduled in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
As co-hosts of the tournament alongside Canada and the United States, Mexico will host additional matches across multiple cities, reinforcing its role in this prestigious event.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| President | Presidente |
| Ceremony | Ceremonia |
| Match | Partido |
Time to discuss
- How does a national sports team influence a country’s sense of pride and unity?
- Why might political leaders choose to participate in sports ceremonies?
- What are the benefits of hosting international events like the World Cup?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the significance of the flag presentation in the ceremony.
- What challenges and opportunities does Mexico face as a co-host of the World Cup?
