On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Mexico City’s Chapultepec Castle became the center of a heated discussion after President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that FIFA paid over one million pesos to rent the historic site for a gala dinner ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff.

Sheinbaum clarified during her morning press conference that the event was organized through a rental scheme managed by cultural authorities and that she only attended briefly to deliver a welcome message. However, this admission raised questions about the legality of using the castle, which houses the National Museum of History, for such a private event.

The controversy gained traction after journalist Jorge Go GDL pointed out a potential conflict with the museum’s official regulations. According to the museum’s website, the services offered include guided tours, educational activities, and group visits—but explicitly prohibit renting spaces for private or corporate events. The site states: “Only cultural, academic, or scientific events are allowed. Social or business events of any kind are not permitted.”

This distinction matters because the gala involved FIFA executives, business leaders, governors, and special guests connected to the World Cup, blurring the lines between cultural and corporate use. Neither the National Institute of Anthropology and History nor the Ministry of Culture has publicly clarified whether a special authorization was granted or under what legal framework the castle was rented for this occasion.

Chapultepec Castle is more than a historic monument; it is a federally protected site and the home of the National Museum of History, making its use a matter of public interest and cultural preservation. The debate is not about whether the event took place—President Sheinbaum has confirmed it did—but whether the rental complied with the rules governing this emblematic space.

As Mexico prepares to welcome millions for the World Cup, discussions like this highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing cultural heritage with modern events. For many, innovative transportation projects like the upcoming cable car in Puebla offer a glimpse of how infrastructure can evolve inclusively and sustainably, respecting history while embracing progress.