As Mexico prepares to face Ecuador in a high-stakes knockout match at the 2026 World Cup, politics have once again entered the stadium. On Tuesday, June 30, President Claudia Sheinbaum called on Mexican fans to show respect toward the Ecuadorian team following the celebrations and gatherings that took place the night before.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum addressed the early-morning chants and noise outside the hotel where Ecuador’s squad was staying. She emphasized the importance of maintaining respect despite the excitement surrounding Mexico’s victory. “It’s understandable to feel great joy when the national team wins and to want to celebrate together, but respect for everyone is always important,” she said. She also reminded fans to clean up after themselves, noting the burden left on city workers who had to collect trash along Reforma Avenue.

At the same time, a controversial internal memo from Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) began circulating. Journalist Dolia Estévez shared the document, dated June 29, which instructs Mexican diplomatic staff to avoid formal contact with Ecuadorian authorities until after the match. The memo references the ongoing diplomatic rupture between Mexico and Ecuador, which has been in place since April 2024.

The circular states: “Given the prevailing suspension of diplomatic and consular relations between both countries, all Mexican representations are requested to adhere to the guidelines regarding interactions with Ecuadorian authorities.” It explicitly orders personnel to “refrain from organizing or participating in joint events with Ecuadorian officials and to avoid formal contacts with Ecuadorian representatives in this context.” The memo is signed by the Subsecretariat for Latin America and the Caribbean.

If confirmed, this directive extends the diplomatic freeze into the realm of international sports, underscoring how political tensions continue to shape Mexico-Ecuador relations even during global events like the World Cup.

The match itself, scheduled for Tuesday night at Estadio Ciudad de México, marks the first World Cup encounter between the two nations. Historically, Mexico leads the rivalry with 15 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses out of 27 matches.

The diplomatic break dates back to April 5, 2024, when Ecuadorian security forces forcibly entered the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum by Mexico. Mexico condemned the incursion as a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, severed ties with Ecuador, withdrew its diplomatic staff, and filed a case with the International Court of Justice—a process that remains ongoing.

In this charged atmosphere, Sheinbaum’s call for respect and civility serves as a reminder that sports can be a space for unity, even amid political discord. For fans and residents alike, it’s a moment to celebrate Mexico’s progress while acknowledging the complex realities behind the scenes.