IMSS starts its ‘social world cup’ of women’s futsal towards 2026

The government launches a U-21 women's futsal tournament with a view to the 2026 World Cup, seeking to create a national quarry.

A World Cup for the youth team

Just when everyone is talking about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the federal government announced its own bet: the first IMSS Women’s Futsal World Cup. An Under-21 tournament that, they say, seeks to promote the development of the sport among young women. The question that floats in the air is: long-term sports strategy or lightning event with a promotional flavor?

Zoé Robledo, director of the IMSS, presented it during the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum. He called it a “social world” that starts in Michoacán. The idea, he explained, is to bring the sport to more communities. Sounds good on paper.

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The numbers behind the ball

They detailed the figures: 320 registered teams from 188 municipalities. That means 3,840 players, 350 coaches and 100 referees on the move. They rehabilitated 64 fields in IMSS spaces that, they promise, will remain as permanent headquarters.

“The World Cup reaches everywhere, it also happens outside the fields and invites everyone,”

Robledo said during the announcement.

The final phase will be in Oaxtepec and the grand final in the Lago de Texcoco Ecological Park. There will be viewers and recruiters with international standards, according to the authorities. The stated objective: to form a “true national quarry.”

During the virtual link, a captain thanked the opportunity. He said what he is expected to say:

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to join the Mexican futsal team in this under-21 World Cup.”

The governor of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, was also present. Everything very coordinated, very institutional.

Here’s the interesting thing: FIFA recognizes futsal as one of its three official sports. The first women’s World Cup was just last year. Mexico wants to get on that train. The timing of the announcement, so close to the 2026 mega-event, does not seem coincidental.

Investment is made in infrastructure and visibility is given to thousands of young athletes. That is tangible. What we will have to see is if this ‘little world’ manages to transcend the news cycle and really sow something lasting. Or if it’s just a good headline for the morning.

One year after the discovery in a crematorium, families march for justice

One year after the discovery of 386 bodies, families demand justice and an end to corruption.

March for justice one year later

On Saturday afternoon, groups of families affected by the Plenitude crematorium case demonstrated. The discovery of 386 bodies turns one year old, and the bereaved demand answers.

The protest began at the Latinoamericana funeral home, one of those identified by family members. From there, the protesters walked towards the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE).

Dora Elena Delgado, spokesperson for the Justicia para Nuestros Deudos collective, reported that at least 1,500 families were affected. The central demand: no more impunity, no more corruption and full justice.

Actions pending by the authority

The protesters carried blankets with messages of justice. They demand action against Coespris officials involved in the case, as well as the recapture of José Luis A. C., owner of the crematorium. He was released by a federal judge, and a red card from Interpol is expected to arrest him again.

So far, of the 386 bodies found, the FGE reports that 135 remain to be identified. The identification process continues.

The collective Memory, Dignity and Justice joined the mobilization. They placed a permanent memorial in the shape of a cross outside the Prosecutor’s Office, as a reminder of the victims.

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Sheinbaum asks to preserve native corn for national sovereignty

Sheinbaum highlights that native corn is key to food sovereignty and national identity.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo reaffirmed that the governments of the Fourth Transformation defend national sovereignty in all areas. During a meeting with farmers in Pijijiapan, Chiapas, he highlighted the importance of native corn as a pillar of Mexican identity and self-sufficiency.

Defense of sovereignty through native corn

Sheinbaum presented the “Corn is the Root” program, whose objective is to improve the conditions of producers and reduce dependence on seeds controlled by large corporations.

“Conserving native corn also means defending sovereignty,” he stated.

The president warned about the risks of hybrid seeds:

“If we continue with pure hybrid corn, people will depend on buying seeds and those who sell the seeds will be a few companies.”

He stressed that preserving native varieties is essential to avoid this economic dependence.

“If we did not have native corn, we would lose a good part of food sovereignty, of what we are as Mexicans,” he said.

In addition, it extended the defense of sovereignty to the energy, cultural and food fields. She assured that the Fourth Transformation drives her “in every possible way.”

The program seeks to strengthen small farmers and conserve the genetic diversity of corn, a central element in the country’s diet and culture.

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Mexico sends rescue team to Venezuela after earthquakes

25 specialists and 5 canine pairs travel to support search efforts in Venezuela.

Solidarity in action

After the earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 registered in Venezuela on June 24, which left 1,430 dead and 3,328 injured, Mexico reinforced its humanitarian support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) coordinated the sending of a rescue mission with the Mexican Red Cross and the Volaris airline.

“This afternoon a support team made up of 25 specialists from the Urban Search and Rescue Unit (USAR) of the Red Cross and the Cancun International Rescue Brigade (USAR BRIC) left for Venezuela, as well as a brigade element from the Azteca Topos,” the agency indicated.

Equipment and logistics

The mission includes five canine pairs and 3.5 tons of specialized equipment for search and rescue tasks in the rubble. The shipment was transported on a Volaris flight.

“With this, Mexico reaffirms its solidarity and commitment to the Venezuelan people in these difficult times,” the SRE said in a statement. Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco heads the coordination of this aid.

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