With Mexico riding an electric wave of national pride as co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight has found an unlikely figure in the stands.
Sandra Cuevas, who served as mayor of the Cuauhtémoc borough in Mexico City from October 2021 to March 2024, went viral after attending fan celebrations in a fitted, low-cut white tank top. Photos circulating online showed Cuevas wearing the top with a Mexico jersey tied around her waist rather than on her body. Video of the moment quickly surpassed one million views on X.
Reaction split sharply. Some praised her confidence. Others called the look inappropriate for a former public official. One fan wrote "So revealing!" while another branded the clips "tacky."
Cuevas didn't duck the conversation. She responded directly, saying, "Well, guys, what can I do. I can't just take them off." She described the viral moment as a "passing of the torch," per The Sun. She also added, "I don't take it as an attack, there will be those who think that way and take it in a derogatory way, but that's how we Mexicans are."
Much of the online chatter drew comparisons to Mar Castro, who became a national star during the 1986 World Cup after being dubbed "La Chiquitibum." Castro, then a 20-year-old drama student with Spanish roots, appeared in a Carta Blanca beer ad that generated more attention than the product itself. Wearing a cropped white shirt alongside the famous chant, she became one of the tournament's defining images. Cuevas leaned into the parallel. She acknowledged the nickname, saying, "They had already nicknamed me that in 1986 and it amuses me, I like it."
Fans rallied around her on TikTok, leaving comments like "Just let baddies be baddies" and "We need more politicians like this." Her account has drawn attention for other stylish outfits and bold makeup looks, resonating with her 659,000 followers.
Now 40, Cuevas remains active in politics as Mexico City coordinator for the Mexico Nuevo political movement. She also launched a business venture after leaving office. None of that mattered much this week. Her wardrobe did.
Mexico's men's national team sits at 2-0 in group play, having beaten South Africa and South Korea. El Tri, already through to the Round of 32, closes out its group stage against Czechia on Wednesday, June 24. Whether Cuevas makes another appearance in the fan zones remains to be seen. Based on the numbers, plenty of people will be watching if she does.
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