A major protest in Mexico City disrupted access to the Azteca Stadium for several hours on Tuesday, just days before the 2026 World Cup opening match is scheduled at the venue.
A large crowd of demonstrators blocked a key avenue leading to the stadium, forcing security lockdowns around the area.
The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw global attention, but preparations in the Mexican capital have been overshadowed by growing unrest involving teachers’ unions.
Thousands of people joined the latest demonstration, organized by a breakaway faction of the CNTE teachers’ union after a week of sustained protests. President Claudia Sheinbaum described the unrest as a “provocation.”
“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,’” Sheinbaum said during a press briefing.
Despite the size of the protest, a heavy police presence blocked marchers from reaching the Azteca Stadium, which would host the tournament’s opening fixture on Thursday.
Authorities deployed thousands of officers and installed concrete barriers around the sports facility. After roughly three hours of street demonstrations, the crowd eventually dispersed.
Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vazquez, later stated that the protest remained peaceful throughout its duration.
President Sheinbaum has insisted that the World Cup opening match is secure, while reiterating her government’s position against using force to suppress demonstrations.
Her administration continues to push for dialogue with the striking teachers, though negotiations have yet to produce results.
“We’re going to continue our struggle,” said protester Austreberto Flores, reflecting the determination of participants.
The CNTE union has been on strike since last week, demanding higher salaries and the reversal of a pension reform law, which the government argues is not financially viable.
Some members of the movement have also established a protest camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zócalo Square.
Tensions escalated earlier this month when police dispersed protesters in the same area using rubber bullets and tear gas on June 1.
“They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that’s not true,” Sheinbaum has said in response to criticism surrounding the protests.
Further demonstrations are planned for Thursday, reportedly involving families of missing persons who allege victims of forced disappearance linked to criminal groups or state authorities.
The 2026 World Cup is being described as one of the most logistically complex editions in history, with major infrastructure and security challenges across host nations.
Mexico is still working to complete final preparations, including upgrades to subway stations and improvements at its main international airport, as the opening ceremony and first match—Mexico versus South Africa—approach rapidly.
