More than 10,000 security staff have been deployed amid fears that mass demonstrations could threaten the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament begins on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa at Mexico City's Banorte Stadium, formerly known as the Azteca.
Protests Planned Across the Capital
The opening ceremony will be followed by a lavish event to officially launch the 48-team tournament, which will also be held across the United States and Canada. However, widespread protests by various groups seeking publicity for their causes are expected to take place on the same day.
Teachers, farmers, transport workers, and families of missing people will be part of at least six groups of demonstrators aiming to bring the Mexican capital to a standstill. Under slogans such as "If there's no solution, the ball won't roll," the protesters want to draw the attention of an international audience and the thousands of tourists in the country during the tournament.
Planned Actions
From early Thursday, the groups plan to march and bike down key routes before converging on the stadium at 1pm local time (6pm BST), when the opening ceremony is scheduled to begin. Families of missing people intend to form human chains near the stadium and request a minute of silence for the missing. Teachers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union will attempt to block access to the FIFA Fan Fest and hold marches near major transport hubs.
In parallel with blockades near the stadium, a contingent of more than 100,000 teachers from the CNTE will maintain pressure in the city centre.
Security Measures
Organisers have planned alternative routes to ensure the teams' safe passage to the 87,000-capacity arena. The Mexico City Government will deploy over 10,000 security personnel around the stadium and the nearby hotel district. Authorities have stated that while they respect the right to free expression, a total blockade or sabotage of the opening event will not be allowed.
Protesters' Demands
Some protesters are demanding the scrapping of a government administrative body known as USICAMM and the repeal of a law that has adversely affected state employees' pensions. Marches by the CNTE union have already occurred this week. Marcelino Rodarte, Secretary General of Section 58 of the union, said: "On June 11, the ball won't roll if there is no response for the organised teachers, for these people who, from the presidency, are now creating a huge distance, preferring to side with the powerful and wealthy rather than with the people."
Mexico will host 13 matches at the World Cup, with Guadalajara and Monterrey also staging games.
