The U2 members and the Mexican leader surprised participants in the competition, which is focused on social inclusion and children’s rights.
U2’s visit to Mexico City this week continued to bring surprises on Thursday (May 14), when the legendary Irish band appeared alongside Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum at an event for the General Assembly of the Street Child World Cup in the Mexican capital.
The president took the stage at the Hidalgo Theater of the Mexican Social Security Institute to greet young participants of the international competition, which is focused on social inclusion and children’s rights. She was accompanied by lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge, reveal videos shared on social media by Mexico City’s secretary of tourism, Alejandra Frausto.
Onstage at the venue, the head of state and the two members of the band greeted the audience before stepping down to take their seats. “My president,” Bono said to Sheinbaum, followed by a hug. The gesture drew an ovation from the attendees.
Later, Sheinbaum shared a video on her own social media accounts showing more details of her encounter with the musicians. “Hello, nice to meet you,” she told the pair in English.
“Nice to meet you, such a fan of yours”, The Edge responded. And Bono added: “My goodness, universal healthcare, you have raised the minimum wage, you come to the Street Child World Cup, you meet The Edge and myself. I don’t know how you have time.”
Mexico City hosted the 2026 Street Child World Cup this week, with 30 teams from around the world gathering for this year’s tournament, held May 6-14. “It’s a little NGO with a big kick for kids with all of the talent and none of the access,” drummer Larry Mullen Jr. said in a statement on U2’s website. “Our band are proud supporters.”
The Rock Hall-inducted outfit — also featuring bass guitarist Adam Clayton — returned to Mexico after a nine-year absence to film the music video for their song “Street of Dreams,” included in their upcoming studio album expected to be released at the end of 2026. Their highly anticipated return has already resulted in a formal invitation from the head of government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, for the group to perform at the iconic Zócalo, the country’s main public square.
Mexico holds a special place in the hearts of U2’s members. The band has delivered some of its most memorable concerts in the Latin American country, including the performance documented in the Popmart: Live From Mexico City video, recorded in 1997 during their Popmart Tour. The last time the band performed in the capital city was in October 2017, three weeks after the powerful earthquake that struck central Mexico, as part of the 30th anniversary of their iconic album The Joshua Tree.