Will the World Cup Be Spoiled? Massive Protests in Mexico
Tens of thousands are protesting near the stadium where the hosts will face South Africa. Sport 5, published: 11.06.26, 17:09 (GETTY) | Photo: Sport 5
The opening whistle of the 2026 World Cup will sound tomorrow, Thursday, at the mythical Azteca Stadium, where Mexico will take on South Africa. For the first time since the 1986 World Cup, when the local team coach Javier Aguirre was a player himself, the legendary stadium will host the greatest tournament in the world 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 symbolizes a significant trauma for the North American country. At the same time as the football celebrations, there are also many public protests over the cost of living, the education system and the government's priorities. Some voices claim that the country is investing enormous resources in the event while there are more urgent social problems.
Most of the protests are being led by teachers demanding better working conditions, and they have even set up protest tents in the fan zone. Judges are also protesting against government reforms, as are animal rights activists, an issue that receives a great deal of attention in the country.
The largest uprising is expected to come from the families of more than 130,000 missing citizens, some of whom were kidnapped by criminal organizations of one kind or another, a particularly painful issue in the country.
What Claudia Sheinbaum, the host nation's president, does not need to fear are the cartels, since the organizations operate primarily 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 during highly publicized events.
Those looking for fun at Mexico City's World Cup fan zone will be disappointed, as it's 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
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