A protest blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for several hours on Tuesday, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the iconic venue.
Thousands of demonstrators, led by a breakaway faction of the CNTE teachers’ union, took part in the protest following a week of demonstrations in the capital. The unrest comes as Mexico prepares to co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada.
President Claudia Sheinbaum described the ongoing protests as a “provocation,” suggesting they were aimed at projecting instability in the country.
“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,’” she said during a press briefing.
Security forces blocked access routes to the Azteca Stadium, which is set to host the World Cup opening match on Thursday. Authorities deployed large numbers of police officers and concrete barriers around the area, preventing protesters from reaching the venue.
Mexico City’s security chief Pablo Vazquez said the demonstration remained peaceful despite the disruption. Protesters eventually dispersed after about three hours of rallying on nearby streets.
Sheinbaum has insisted that the opening match is fully guaranteed to go ahead and reiterated her government’s preference for dialogue rather than force in handling the protests.
Her administration has been in talks with the teachers’ union, though negotiations have yet to yield an agreement.
“We’re going to continue our struggle,” said protester Austreberto Flores.
The CNTE union has been on strike demanding higher wages and the reversal of pension reforms, which the government has described as financially unfeasible. Some protesters have also established a camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zócalo Square.
Earlier in the month, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in the area.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, is expected to draw a vast global audience, with Mexico City’s opening match set to feature Mexico against South Africa.
Authorities are continuing last-minute infrastructure upgrades across the city, including transport and airport improvements, as the tournament approaches.
