Teachers block road to Estadio Azteca hours before World Cup opener

Thousands of teachers blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca for several hours on Tuesday, days before the stadium is due to host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

What happened

The demonstration, led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, brought traffic and fan access to the stadium under strain when protesters gathered on a route used by supporters heading to the venue.

A police blockade prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stadium itself. Authorities deployed thousands of officers and set up concrete barriers around the venue.

Length and tone of the protest

Protesters rallied on the street for around three hours before dispersing. Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vazquez, said in a statement that the movement had been peaceful.

“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,'”

The quote above was made by President Claudia Sheinbaum at a press conference, where she described a week of demonstrations as a “provocation.” Sheinbaum also said the opening match was “guaranteed” and said her government would not use police to repress the demonstrations.

Why the teachers are protesting

The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week to demand a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law. The government described the pension reversal as unfeasible.

Protesters have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zocalo square. On June 1, police dispersed protesters in that area with rubber bullets and teargas.

Voices on the ground

A protester identified as Austreberto Flores was quoted saying, “We’re going to continue our struggle.”

Sheinbaum criticised the demonstrations’ apparent intent to create a larger impression of disorder, saying, “They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that’s not true.”

Implications for the World Cup

The demonstrations came as Mexico prepares to co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada. The opening match at Estadio Azteca will pit Mexico against South Africa. Authorities were reported to be completing renovations at subway stations and the main airport ahead of the tournament.