Teachers block Aztec Stadium ahead of World Cup opener – Sheinbaum calls it a provocation

Despite the ongoing protests, Sheinbaum assured that hosting the game on Thursday was guaranteed. The World Cup opening match on Thursday would take place as planned "guaranteed," the head of state assured. At the Aztec Stadium, Mexico will then face South Africa.

Government's position

Sheinbaum indirectly compared the action of the strikers to the argument that Mexico is doing poorly. "Look how bad the situation in Mexico is," she quoted as the alleged thrust of the protesters' message. The government rejects this demand as not feasible.

To increase the pressure, the strikers are also erecting barricades in the streets of the capital. The leaders of the protest threatened to expand the actions during the World Cup. Earlier this month, there had already been violent clashes with the Mexican police.

Outlook and possible escalation

The CNTE has meanwhile called for a mass demonstration on Thursday. The large rally is also expected to be joined by relatives of people who were abducted by criminal gangs and have been missing since. This could significantly broaden the spectrum of protest on matchday.

Thousands of demonstrators blocked the main entrance to the sports venue, as eyewitnesses and AFP consistently reported. The blockade occurred just days before the scheduled kickoff of the opening match of the Football World Cup and made headlines internationally.

Reactions and coverage

This news was broadcast on 09.06.2026 on the Deutschlandfunk program. The Mexican government thus faces the challenge of ensuring both the smooth running of the major sporting event and the confrontation with the social demands of the teaching profession.

International observers see the protests as an expression of growing dissatisfaction with Mexican government policy, particularly with regard to working conditions in the public education sector. The coming days are likely to show whether the government seeks dialogue with the CNTE or opts for confrontation.