Will the World Cup Be Disrupted? Massive Protests in Mexico

Tens of thousands of protesters are demonstrating near the stadium where the hosts will face South Africa.

The opening whistle of the 2026 World Cup will sound tomorrow, Thursday, at the iconic Azteca Stadium, where Mexico will play South Africa. For the first time since the 1986 World Cup, when the local team’s coach Javier Aguirre was a player himself, the legendary stadium will host the greatest tournament for the third time in its history.

There is considerable concern among the Mexican public, and not only about the match against the Bafana Bafana, which will recreate the opening game of the 2010 World Cup and evokes no small amount of trauma for the North American country. At the same time as the football celebration, there are numerous public protests over the cost of living, the education system, and the government’s priorities. Some voices say the country is investing enormous resources in the event while more urgent social problems remain.

Most of the protests involve teachers demanding better working conditions, and they have even set up protest tents in the fan zone. There are also judges protesting against government reforms and animal-rights activists, a subject that receives considerable attention in the country.

The largest unrest is expected from the families of more than 130,000 missing citizens, some of whom were abducted by criminal organizations of one kind or another, a particularly painful issue in the country.

What Claudia Sheinbaum, the host country’s president, does not need to fear are the cartels, since the organizations operate first and foremost out of business interests and usually prefer to avoid actions that could bring enormous international attention or a harsh response from the government and foreign security forces. Past cases also show that they keep a low profile at high-profile events.

Those looking for fun at Mexico City’s World Cup fan zone will be disappointed, as it has been taken over by a tent city due to teachers protesting over pay. Sky’s @robharris reports from there pic.twitter.com/qtqqAGh88x, Sky News (@SkyNews) June 10, 2026