Mass Protests in Mexico Could Cast a Shadow Over the World Cup

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

There is considerable concern among the Mexican public, and not only about the clash with Bafana Bafana, which will be a replay of the 2010 World Cup opening match and symbolizes a significant trauma for the North American country. At the same time as the football celebration, a number of public protests are taking place over the cost of living, the education system and the government’s priorities. Some voices argue that 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 fans’ complex. There are also judges protesting against government reforms and animal rights activists, an issue that receives considerable attention in the country. The biggest unrest is expected from the families of more than 130,000 missing citizens, some of whom were kidnapped by various criminal organizations, a particularly painful issue in the country.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the host country’s president, does not need to fear the cartels, since the organizations operate primarily out of business interest and usually prefer to avoid actions that could bring massive 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.