Large-scale protests and transport blockades have caused significant disruption in Mexico City just days before the start of the World Cup.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing reports from Reuters, the unrest has paralyzed major thoroughfares in the capital, complicating access to areas surrounding the tournament's opening match venue.
The opening match of the World Cup, featuring Mexico and South Africa, is scheduled to take place on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The city is set to host a total of 13 matches throughout the tournament, making the logistical stability of the capital a priority for organizers.
Protesters, including teachers, former judges, and various labor groups, have blocked key arteries such as Insurgentes Avenue and Paseo de la Reforma in recent days. While demonstrators claim their actions are not directly targeting the tournament, authorities have warned that the unrest could escalate if demands are not met. The CNTE wing of the national teachers' union has explicitly warned on social media of widespread protests on the day of the World Cup opening.
The core demands of the protesters center on the repeal of the 2007 pension reform and calls for wage increases. Additionally, retired judges, dissatisfied following the 2024 judicial reforms, are holding demonstrations in the city center demanding compensation and pension adjustments.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated in her daily briefings that her administration will not yield to pressure, emphasizing that she will not resort to force to suppress the protests. The World Cup is a major international sporting event that brings together nations from across the globe, and Mexico's role as a co-host is significant for the country's international standing and tourism sector.
