Spanish King Felipe VI will travel to Mexico in June 2026 to attend a World Cup Group H match between Spain and Uruguay in Guadalajara on June 26 [1, 2]. The event is part of the 2026 World Cup hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The visit signals a warming of diplomatic relations between Spain and Mexico following years of tensions over colonial-era abuses. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declined to invite King Felipe to her 2024 inauguration because he refused to apologize for Spain’s historical offenses during the conquest of the Americas [1, 2]. Sheinbaum described the current moment as "completely different" and noted that, "with the exception of a few who still defend (Spanish conquistador) Hernan Cortes... the vast majority of the Spanish people do recognise that there was a period of abuses" [1].
King Felipe’s invitation to the World Cup followed his informal acknowledgment of many abuses committed by Spain during the conquest. In March 2026, he recognized the harsh impact of Spain’s colonial actions, marking a shift from previous positions [1, 2]. Sheinbaum called his planned visit a "gesture of reconciliation" and said the trip "has great political significance, marking a clear improvement in diplomatic ties" [2].
Historical estimates suggest the population in Mexico ranged between 15 million and 30 million before Spanish conquest. This number dropped dramatically to between 1 million and 2 million a century after due to violence, disease, and exploitation attributed to the conquest [2].
The Spanish team will play Uruguay on June 26, 2026, in Guadalajara, with King Felipe VI expected to attend the match. The event will be closely watched as a sign of improving relations between the two nations following decades of sensitive history [1, 2].
