Protesters block road to Mexico’s World Cup stadium
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Thousands took part in the protest on June 9, which was led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers' union.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MEXICO CITY – A protest blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for hours on June 9, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the venue.
As football fans flood into the tournament, Mexico is grappling with chaotic protests by teachers in its capital. This year’s World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Thousands took part in the protest on June 9, which was led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers’ union following a week of demonstrations that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a “provocation”.
“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico’,” she told a press conference.
A police blockade prevented the demonstrators from reaching Azteca Stadium, which will host the World Cup opening match on June 11.
With thousands of officers deployed and concrete barriers set up around the venue, protesters rallied on the street for around three hours before dispersing.
Mexico City’s security chief Pablo Vazquez said in a statement that the movement had been peaceful.
Sheinbaum said earlier that the opening match was “guaranteed”, though the left-leaning leader again ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations.
Her government has favoured dialogue with the protesting teachers, but to no avail.
Protester Austreberto Flores said: “We are going to continue our struggle.”
The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week to demand a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law – which the government considers unfeasible.
The teachers have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zocalo square.
On June 1, police dispersed protesters in the area with rubber bullets and tear gas.
Sheinbaum has said of the protests: “They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that is not true.”
The teachers have called for demonstrations on June 11 that will also include families of so-called “disappeared” people – those alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by the Mexican authorities or criminal gangs.
The 2026 edition of the world’s biggest football extravaganza is the most logistically complex ever staged.
A vast global TV audience is set to tune in to the opening ceremony and match pitting Mexico against South Africa.
Mexico is still rushing to complete renovations at subway stations and at its main airport ahead of the tournament. AFP
