Amid Protests, Mexico Guarantees Peaceful World Cup Opening
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has guaranteed the peaceful opening of the 2026 World Cup, despite ongoing protests from teachers' unions demanding wage increases and pension reforms.
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- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 17:36
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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday guaranteed that this week's World Cup opening ceremony will be held peacefully, despite growing concerns over ongoing protests in the country.
According to AFP, a local teachers' union has threatened to protest at the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on the 11th if the government does not respond to their demands for wage increases and pension reform.
Despite this, Sheinbaum said in her daily press conference: "We guarantee that the World Cup event will proceed smoothly in peace and tranquility."
Last week, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside the historic Zocalo square in Mexico City. Authorities have set up a giant screen in the square as a fan zone for the World Cup.
Streets around the square remain blocked with metal barriers, which Sheinbaum said is to prevent "provocative acts."
The protesting teachers also toppled a commemorative statue of a player in the city center last week.
Although Sheinbaum has maintained an open dialogue with the teachers, the union believes the government's proposals fall short of expectations.
Also participating in the protests are hundreds of students and faculty from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College, demanding that the government intensify its investigation into the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from the school.
Mexico City police reported that they seized 59 homemade explosive devices from a bus entering the capital on Monday, posting photos on social media platform X of dozens of small white tube-like devices with fuses.
According to AFP, a local teachers' union has threatened to protest at the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on the 11th if the government does not respond to their demands for wage increases and pension reform.
Despite this, Sheinbaum said in her daily press conference: "We guarantee that the World Cup event will proceed smoothly in peace and tranquility."
Last week, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside the historic Zocalo square in Mexico City. Authorities have set up a giant screen in the square as a fan zone for the World Cup.
Streets around the square remain blocked with metal barriers, which Sheinbaum said is to prevent "provocative acts."
The protesting teachers also toppled a commemorative statue of a player in the city center last week.
Although Sheinbaum has maintained an open dialogue with the teachers, the union believes the government's proposals fall short of expectations.
Also participating in the protests are hundreds of students and faculty from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College, demanding that the government intensify its investigation into the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from the school.
Mexico City police reported that they seized 59 homemade explosive devices from a bus entering the capital on Monday, posting photos on social media platform X of dozens of small white tube-like devices with fuses.
FAQ
What did the Mexican president guarantee?
She guaranteed the peaceful opening of the World Cup.
Who is protesting?
Teachers' unions and members of the Ayotzinapa college.
What are the reasons for the protest?
Wage increases, pension reform, and investigation of a student disappearance case.