INAH classifies FIFA gala at Chapultepec Castle as confidential

The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) held a private gala dinner at Mexico's historic Chapultepec Castle ahead of the 2026 World Cup. More than 200 football executives, business leaders and politicians attended, including Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The event featured a brief protocol ceremony, cultural performances, a drone show and a tasting dinner.

Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has placed the documentation related to the gala under reservation, citing an ongoing investigation by the Federal Prosecutor's Office (FGR). While Sheinbaum asserted that the event complied with all regulations and that FIFA covered the costs—reporting a payment of about 1.3 million pesos for the use of the historic venue—INAH documents suggest otherwise. The institute's reservation has limited public access to details of the celebration, sparking questions about transparency and the handling of cultural heritage sites for private international events.