05.06.2026 01:20
Days before the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thousands of angry teachers took to the streets in host country Mexico, furious that the budget is being funneled into tournament infrastructure rather than education; in clashes where police intervened with tear gas, protesters toppled soccer player statues and blocked roads, paralyzing transportation in the capital.
With just days to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the focus of the world, waters are not calming in one of the tournament's most important host nations, Mexico. Mass protest demonstrations organized by teachers and retired judges have turned the capital, Mexico City, into an almost war zone. Combined with the city's never-ending infrastructure work, the actions have brought the transportation network to a complete standstill.
TEACHERS FACED WITH BARRICADES AND TEAR GAS
Mexican police used tear gas on thousands of striking teachers in the capital. These harsh incidents erupted just before the city is set to host the opening match of the massive event. Government officials have set up heavy metal barricades around areas to protect World Cup promotional sites.
"FUNDS FOR FIFA, NONE FOR EDUCATION!"
These tournament-focused measures by the government have further fueled the protesters' anger. Demonstrators expressed deep rebellion against the chronic underfunding of public education, despite state funds being generously channeled into FIFA infrastructure projects. Sharply criticizing the government, activists accuse authorities of prioritizing foreign tourists while ignoring the basic needs of their own people.
UNIONS' DEMAND: 100% SALARY INCREASE AND KEEPING PROMISES
The protesters are demanding the repeal of a 2007 law regulating public employees' pensions and social security. The unions initiating the movement call for a reorganization of the pension system, better working conditions, and a 100% salary increase for workers in the education sector. Stating that the ruling party promised them major pension reforms in exchange for their votes during the election process but that President Claudia Sheinbaum failed to keep this promise, the activists attacked the Ministry of Education offices.
SOCCER STATUES TOPPLED, STREETS LOCKED DOWN
Taking radical steps to make their voices heard, the angry crowd blocked roads around the capital's busiest arteries, Insurgentes and Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard. Protesters expressed their reaction by toppling giant soccer player statues placed in the city center for the tournament atmosphere.
As tensions in the country escalate, President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for calm. Stating that they would not fall for provocations, Sheinbaum declared she would absolutely not order any harsh military or police intervention against the demonstrators on the streets.
LOGISTICS ALARM: INFRASTRUCTURE UNFINISHED DAYS BEFORE TOURNAMENT
Mexico is preparing to host a total of 13 World Cup matches, 5 of which will be in Mexico City. However, with days to go before hundreds of thousands of football fans pour into the country, renovation work at the country's largest airport, Benito Juárez International Airport, has not yet been completed. With ongoing maintenance and repair activities on the city's metro system and main arteries added to this, there are concerns that the ongoing protests could seriously disrupt the tournament's logistics.