MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed her attendance at the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The draw scheduled for Friday will also see the presence of notable figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as the three nations are jointly hosting the tournament next summer. In a press conference held on Wednesday, Sheinbaum mentioned that she had a conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during which her attendance was confirmed.

Upon detailing her visit's agenda, Sheinbaum stated, “It’s a short event. The prime minister of Canada and President Trump will be there, and I will only be at the start to see which group we will lead, and then I will leave.” This gathering holds significance as it marks Sheinbaum's first in-person meeting with Trump. Their planned meeting at the G-7 summit in June in Canada was abruptly canceled, forcing Trump to return to Washington early to handle escalating issues between Israel and Iran.

In light of her upcoming trip, Sheinbaum mentioned that it remains uncertain whether she will utilize the opportunity for a private meeting with Trump. “If it were to happen, it would be a very brief meeting,” she noted, suggesting a desire to maintain focus on the event itself rather than engaging in extensive bilateral discussions.

The 2026 World Cup is set to commence on June 11, with the opening match being held at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The tournament will culminate with the final match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This edition of the World Cup marks a historic moment as it will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, enhancing the anticipation surrounding the event.

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Fabiola Sánchez, The Associated Press