Mexico City faces escalating protests that threaten FIFA World Cup celebrations, with access to the main fan plaza blocked. President Claudia Sheinbaum is criticized for prioritizing the tournament amid social tensions and security concerns.
Key points
Protests threaten FIFA World Cup celebrations in Mexico City
Access to main fan plaza blocked by protesters
President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized for spending priorities
Social tensions and security concerns escalate ahead of the event
Opening game features Mexico vs. South Africa
Mentioned in this story
Claudia SheinbaumMexico City
FIFA World CupMexicoSouth Africa
Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital have threatened to derail FIFA World Cup celebrations on the eve of the opening ceremony, with protesters effectively blocking off access to the plaza set to host the country’s main fan celebrations.
Mexico, jointly hosting the global tournament with the United States and Canada, kicks off festivities on Thursday with a star-studded event and the home team taking on South Africa in the opening game in Mexico City.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has come under criticism over her government’s spending on the tournament, along with political scandals and security concerns following a burst of violence in a World Cup host city in February.
Pressure has mounted on her as guests flood into Mexico City. Residents say authorities have prioritised the competition over pressing social needs.
On Wednesday, Sheinbaum said it was unclear whether Mexico City could host its free fan festival on opening night because a teachers’ union protest camp has blocked access to the plaza.
‘Everything is under control’
FIFA’s logo, orange Mexican marigold flowers, giant footballs and other decorations line streets across Mexico’s capital and the two other host cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Fans buzzed with excitement as they strolled through Mexico City’s streets.
The competition is expected to bring in $3bn for hotels, restaurants and sports venues, according to the Mexican Football Federation.
Thursday’s fan festival and opening match are expected to draw more viewers than much of the competition, with Colombian superstar Shakira and others scheduled to perform.
Social tensions have posed the greatest obstacle, particularly in Mexico City.
For more than a week, the country’s teachers’ union has toppled World Cup statues and blocked roads in an annual push for better working conditions.
Families of Mexico’s more than 130,000 missing people have hung flyers of their loved ones and said authorities should focus on addressing humanitarian crises in Mexico.
“We’re not against the ball game,” said Luis Antonio Rosales Narvaez, a protest organiser. But “they should be investing in education … not giving the city a makeover.”
Sheinbaum had denied there was any social unrest ahead of the tournament, but on Wednesday she acknowledged that “if for some reason the Zocalo cannot be used for the opening, there are 18 venues where people can watch it free of charge”, referring to Mexico City’s main square.
“Everything is under control,” she added.
Q&A
What are the main reasons for protests in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup?
Protests are driven by criticism of government spending on the World Cup, political scandals, and unmet social needs.
How might the protests affect the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Mexico?
Protesters have blocked access to the main fan celebration plaza, raising concerns about whether the opening night festivities can proceed as planned.
Who is the Mexican President facing criticism during the World Cup celebrations?
President Claudia Sheinbaum is under scrutiny for her government's handling of social issues and security concerns related to the tournament.
What event is scheduled to kick off the World Cup in Mexico City?
The World Cup will begin with a star-studded opening ceremony followed by the home team playing against South Africa.
States tell Albanese government that NDIS changes could mean people with disabilities are shifted into hospitals
State and territory disability ministers warn that proposed NDIS changes by the Albanese government could force over 200,000 participants into hospitals. They express concerns over inadequate services and lack of consultation on the reforms.
French man on trial accused of raping partner after contact with Dominique Pelicot
A bodyguard from Lyon is on trial for allegedly sedating and raping his partner after interacting online with Dominique Pelicot, a convicted rapist. Pelicot is serving 20 years for drugging and facilitating the rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot.
Angus Taylor rejects One Nation seat sharing deal as cracks appear in Liberal ranks over Pauline Hanson threat
Angus Taylor and senior Liberal colleagues reject a seat-sharing deal with One Nation, despite internal party splits over how to address Pauline Hanson's rising influence. The debate intensifies as One Nation leads in polls and threatens government-held seats.
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
A member of the Colectivo Luz de Esperanza de Jalisco collective holds missing-person flyers near pasted signs featuring images of their loved ones who remain missing, displayed in a World Cup-style format, as part of the “Missing Persons World Cup Album" campaign to raise awareness of disappearances ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Guadalajara, Mexico, May 31, 2026. REUTERS/Michelle Freyria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A member of the Colectivo Luz de Esperanza de Jalisco civil organisation holds missing-person flyers near posters of people who remain missing, displayed in a World Cup-style format as part of the ‘Missing Persons World Cup Album’ campaign in Guadalajara, Mexico, on May 31 [Reuters/Michelle Freyria]
Security ramped up ahead of opener
More than 100,000 soldiers, marines, National Guard and police officers were expected to be deployed across the three Mexican host cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey — as well as in major tourist destinations during the World Cup.
Anti-drone teams, surveillance-camera networks, special crowd management units and military and police patrols will operate during the duration of the tournament at Mexican stadiums, fan fests, airports, national-team camps and other strategic facilities in coordination with FIFA.
Heavily armed police and National Guard officers have been patrolling the streets of Guadalajara as authorities try to reassure visitors and residents that security won’t be an issue in a city that was rocked by cartel violence earlier this year.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, will host four World Cup matches, including South Korea against the Czech Republic on the opening day.
Local officials say visitors have nothing to worry about despite the outbreak of violence in February following the Mexican military’s killing of the country’s most powerful cartel boss.
“It’s important to remember that normalcy returned to the state in less than 48 hours after what happened in February,” Alfonso Briseno, the security coordinator in Jalisco, told The Associated Press news agency in the run-up to the tournament.
“I invite all tourists, all citizens of other countries, especially those who will be playing here in Guadalajara … They will be welcome. The Mexican government and the state of Jalisco guarantee their safety.”
Briseno stressed that Jalisco has not faced any security issues recently and that a resurgence of trouble was not expected. He said local authorities were prepared to react quickly if anything happened again.
Nearly 15,000 security personnel have been deployed in the region, including National Guard officers with assault rifles and vehicle-mounted machineguns near the stadium where the games will be played.
“We are feeling very safe. We are not concerned about the same issues that we had a few months ago,” said Rodolfo Valencia, a 22-year-old resident of Guadalajara.
“You can see a lot more police on the streets, and there is a sense that there won’t be any problems around here. Having the World Cup here has helped because the authorities had to take action and make sure that everything goes well.”
Security in Guadalajara will be a special concern for the June 26 match between Spain and Uruguay, when Spain’s King Felipe VI is expected to attend.
A National Guard member stands guard at the “FIFA Fan Fest Guadalajara” installation at Plaza Liberacion and Plaza de Armas in downtown Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico, on June 9, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP)
A National Guard member stands guard at the FIFA Fan Fest Guadalajara installation at Plaza Liberacion and Plaza de Armas in downtown Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico, on June 9, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament [Ulises Ruiz/AFP]
