The start of the World Cup focuses the agenda of the presidential cabinet

The Mexican government's cabinet has seen its media reputation shaped significantly by the opening of the 2026 World Cup, according to the latest analysis by the Central Intelligence Political (CIP) titled "Analysis of Media Reputation of Actors" (ARMA). June was marked by the start of the World Cup, which became the central theme of the cabinet's media agenda. Those who successfully linked their activities to the tournament experienced improved public perception, while others faced criticism due to ongoing issues.

Rosa Icela Rodríguez-Segob had her best month in terms of effective coverage since the beginning of the current administration. Despite Gobernación being once again at the center of the teachers' conflict, the narrative this time favored the government. The resolution of the protest by Section 22 through dialogue and maintaining open communication with the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) during the World Cup led to largely positive media coverage.

Josefina Rodríguez-Sectur benefited greatly from the World Cup, receiving 94% positive coverage. The high occupancy rates in hotels, record numbers of visitors, the implementation of Mexico Invita, the ContiGO kiosks, and the culinary and cultural offerings for foreign delegations created a month with almost no negative reports. For Sectur, the World Cup was akin to Easter Week in April—a significant opportunity that might not always be available.

Ricardo Trevilla-Defensa had a solid and diverse month. Historical seizures of chemical substances, the capture of El Gabito in Mazatlán, the rescue of a Venezuelan child after double earthquakes, humanitarian aid to Venezuela, and the Plan DN-III-E against rains and cyclone Boris contributed to 84% positive coverage. The only notable negative aspect was the link between a judge in New York and General Gerardo Mérida with drug trafficking, but it did not significantly affect the overall positive image.

Omar García Harfuch-SSPC had another consecutive month with a high positive balance. His most publicized operations included the capture of La Muñeca in Yautepec and Sierra 1 in Michoacán, and the seizure of 24,000 liters of methamphetamine in Los Mochis. Meetings with the U.S. ambassador regarding threats from Donald Trump and the deployment of 56,000 police officers for the World Cup reinforced his narrative of control. The only significant negative issue was the blockage of the AMOTAC, resolved through dialogue with Gobernación.

Leticia Ramírez-Bienestar had practically no presence in terms of management, with 96% of its coverage being neutral. This was dominated by vandalism by the CNTE in its offices on Paseo de la Reforma and the presence of President Sheinbaum inspecting works related to Bienestar. The secretary barely appeared as a protagonist, with the department acting more as a backdrop than an active participant.

Raquel Buenrostro-Anticorrupción saw the case involving IMSS-Bienestar and the pharmaceutical company Zdenko absorb 74% of its coverage with a neutral tone, leaving little room for her to promote her own agenda. It was the grayest month for Buenrostro so far this year. While the Secretariat Against Corruption performs well when investigating, it struggles with communication when investigations exceed its scope.

Mario Delgado-SEP had three consecutive months in negative territory and the second worst performance among any minister in the ARMA data. The entire month was consumed by the CNTE. Dialogue sessions held by Gobernación were met with parallel press conferences by teachers, along with blockades and vandalism at the SEP installations. Successive concessions—800 million pesos for Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero; disappearance of the Usicamm; exclusive retirement incentives—generated a narrative of a minister constantly on the retreat. The World Cup did not help him much, only earning a note about class suspension in Mexico City during the inauguration.

In Sinaloa, the state congress banned re-election and nepotism, aligning with the national stance of President Sheinbaum. This move reflects a broader effort to prevent political corruption and ensure fair governance practices across the country.

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the detention of drug trafficker Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, emphasizing the importance of clarifying the circumstances surrounding his arrest. During her morning conference at the National Palace, she stated that a detailed report would be presented today following recent revelations and the exposure of the plane used to transport El Mayo Zambada. She highlighted the significance of transparency in the matter for both Mexico and its relationship with the United States.

Sheinbaum stressed that the method of El Mayo’s arrest must be clarified, noting the relevance of the information for current and former authorities in both countries. She reiterated that combating organized crime should not justify intervention in Mexico, stating that Mexico does not engage in interference. She emphasized the need for clarity and transparency in the situation, reinforcing the government's commitment to sovereignty and the rule of law.

Additionally, Sheinbaum noted that eight years into the Fourth Transformation, the Mexican people have seen improvements in living conditions. Since the election victory of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2018, 13.5 million Mexicans have been lifted out of poverty, the minimum wage has increased significantly, and the peso has strengthened. These developments underscore the government's achievements and the continued focus on improving the quality of life for citizens.