A major protest disrupted access to Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, just days before the venue is set to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gatekeepers News reports that the demonstration comes as football fans begin arriving for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, while authorities contend with ongoing teacher-led protests in the capital.
Thousands of demonstrators took part in Tuesday’s rally, organised by a dissident faction of the CNTE teachers’ union, following more than a week of protests that President Claudia Sheinbaum has described as a “provocation.”
“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,’” Sheinbaum said during a press conference.
Police blocked the protesters from reaching Azteca Stadium, where the World Cup curtain-raiser is scheduled to take place on Thursday. Security forces deployed thousands of officers around the venue and erected concrete barriers to prevent disruptions.
The protesters remained gathered near the stadium for about three hours before dispersing peacefully.
Mexico City Security Chief Pablo Vazquez said the demonstration remained peaceful throughout.
President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted that the opening match was “guaranteed” to go ahead as planned, while reiterating her opposition to using force against the demonstrators.
Her administration has continued to pursue negotiations with the striking teachers, although talks have yet to produce a breakthrough.
“We’re going to continue our struggle,” protester Austreberto Flores said.
The CNTE teachers’ union has been on strike since last week, demanding higher wages and the repeal of a pension law that the government maintains cannot be reversed due to financial constraints.
Protesters have also established a camp near the World Cup fan zone at Zocalo Square. Earlier this month, police dispersed demonstrators in the area using tear gas and rubber bullets.
“They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that’s not true,” Sheinbaum said of the protests.
The union has announced further demonstrations for Thursday, which are expected to include relatives of so-called “disappeared” persons—individuals believed to have been abducted or killed by criminal groups or state agents.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely regarded as the most logistically complex edition of the tournament due to its three-country hosting arrangement. Millions of viewers around the world are expected to watch the opening ceremony and the first match between Mexico and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Mexican authorities continue to race against time to complete renovation projects at subway stations and the country’s main international airport ahead of the tournament.
