Mexican Teachers Threaten Mass Protests at World Cup Opening

MEXICO CITY, THURSDAY — Mexico is preparing to welcome the euphoria of the opening of the 2026 World Cup on June 11. However, the opening of the world's largest football tournament is threatened to be overshadowed by protests from teachers and other worker groups.

Demonstrations by teachers, retired judges, and construction workers have disrupted traffic in Mexico City on Wednesday (3/6/2026). As a result, severe congestion occurred, forcing local residents to change their travel routes. The opening of the 2026 World Cup will be held in the city next week.

Demonstrators held a march and blocked main roads. They demanded that the Government of Mexico fulfill campaign promises to repeal the 2007 law that reformed the pension and social security system for public sector workers. They also called for a wage increase.

One of the groups that demonstrated was the National Coordination Committee of Education Workers (CNTE), an affiliate organization of the Mexican teachers' union. They threatened to hold a massive protest during the opening of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature the host Mexico against South Africa.

Rodrigo Arias, a teacher with 40 years of experience, stated that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had made commitments to teachers to cancel the pension and social security system reforms. However, these commitments have not been realized, leading to disappointment among teachers and other worker groups.

"There is neglect that makes commitments never truly fulfilled. We will continue to mobilize until our voices are heard, even with the World Cup on the horizon," he stated.

The protests were concentrated on Insurgentes and Paseo de la Reforma, two of the busiest and most iconic highways in Mexico City. At several other points, teachers blocked roads, causing traffic jams and disrupting the travel of many people.

The day before, protesters toppled towering statues of football players around Paseo de la Reforma. The chaos in Mexico City poses a risk to the organization of the 2026 World Cup, which is just days away.

Arias stated that CNTE is not responsible for the destruction of the property. However, the protests have raised concerns in Mexico City in recent days. Several stores have installed metal and wooden barriers in anticipation of riots.

There is a neglect that makes commitments never truly fulfilled. We will continue to mobilize until our voices are heard, even with the World Cup on the horizon.

The Guardian reported that protesters were sprayed with tear gas and shot with rubber bullets by riot police during a demonstration on Tuesday. Five demonstrators were injured in the clashes, including a teacher. Mexico City authorities denied using rubber bullets against the protesters.

Teachers continue their actions. They once again protested at the Mexican Ministry of the Interior to condemn the violence. If their demands are not met, they threaten to continue demonstrating, even during the World Cup.

Several locations in Mexico City are being used for various activities to celebrate the World Cup. Filiberto Frausto, one of the union leaders participating in the protests, stated that this demonstrates how public spaces can be privatized at will by the large companies behind the World Cup. "If there is no solution, the ball (of the World Cup matches) will not roll," he said.

In addition to teachers, retired judges and court officials held protests. They demanded severance pay and pensions following the massive judicial reform in 2024 that restructured the country's judicial system.

President Sheinbaum stated that she will not be provoked into inciting or ordering actions against demonstrators. She is currently in communication with teachers to reach some agreements.

"Through dialogue, we will try to address the issues that can be resolved. There are several demands that we cannot fully meet with the budget. However, there are some that we can fulfill. Therefore, we are currently addressing them," he stated.

Despite the looming protests, the Government of Mexico City will continue to hold various activities to celebrate the World Cup. One of these is the Grand World Cup Parade, which will take place on the main street of Paseo de la Reforma on June 13.

As reported by Mexico News Daily, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said the World Cup isn't just for the stadiums. "Only a few will be able to enter the stadiums, but we, as a city government, will organize the World Cup for the people," she explained.

Mexico will host 13 matches of the 2026 World Cup. Five matches will be held in Mexico City, while four matches will take place in both Guadalajara and Monterrey.

In addition to Mexico, the United States and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup. This is the first time the World Cup will be held in three countries. (REUTERS)