ALBAWABA- Thousands of striking teachers blocked major roads in Mexico City on Tuesday, bringing parts of the capital to a standstill just 48 hours before the Azteca Stadium is scheduled to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.
The demonstrations were led by a breakaway faction of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union, which has intensified its campaign against the federal government. Protesters have adopted the slogan “If there is no solution, the ball won’t roll,” using the global visibility of the tournament to press their demands. The group is calling for a 100 percent increase in base salaries to offset inflation, along with a comprehensive reform of Mexico’s public pension system.
The unrest presents an early political and security challenge for President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose administration has deployed riot police to key transit routes while attempting to avoid a forceful response ahead of the high-profile international event.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum said, “There is a lot of provocation. They are provoking us and want us to act and crush the protests,” reflecting the government’s concern over both maintaining order and avoiding escalation.
Tensions in the capital have escalated over the past week as protests have spread beyond road blockades. Demonstrators have previously used metal street fixtures to breach the Secretariat of Public Education building, while large promotional football installations along Paseo de la Reforma were toppled and set on fire.
Clashes have also taken place near the Zócalo plaza, where preparations are underway for the official World Cup fan zone, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and crowd-control measures to prevent occupation of central public spaces.
Union representatives say at least five protesters have been injured in earlier confrontations with police, including one educator who reportedly lost an eye, though no deaths have been reported. The disruption has caused significant traffic congestion across the city, including routes leading to the Azteca Stadium and Benito Juárez International Airport.
Despite the unrest, World Cup organizers maintain that security perimeters around the stadium remain intact and that preparations for the opening match are continuing as planned.
