Protest Block Access To Mexico City's Azteca Stadium Just Before 2026 FIFA World Cup

Last Updated:June 10, 2026, 08:57 IST

Teacher protests led by CNTE block road to Azteca Stadium before 2026 World Cup, Mexico vows dialogue, opening match Mexico vs South Africa remains guaranteed

A protest blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for hours on Tuesday, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the venue.

As football fans flood into the tournament co-hosts — the United States, Canada and Mexico — the Latin American country is grappling with chaotic teacher protests in its capital.

Thousands took part in Tuesday’s protest, led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, following a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a “provocation."

“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,'" she told a press conference.

A police blockade prevented the demonstrators from reaching the Azteca Stadium, which will host the World Cup opening match on Thursday.

With thousands of officers deployed and concrete barriers set up around the venue, protesters rallied in the street for around three hours before dispersing.

Mexico City’s security chief Pablo Vazquez said in a statement that the protest had been peaceful.

Sheinbaum said earlier that the opening match was “guaranteed," while again ruling out the use of police to repress the demonstrations.

Her government has favoured dialogue with the protesting teachers, but without success.

“We’re going to continue our struggle," said protester Austreberto Flores.

What Are The Protest About?

The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week, demanding a salary increase and the reversal of a pension law that the government considers unfeasible.

The teachers have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zocalo square.

On June 1, police dispersed protesters in the area using rubber bullets and teargas.

“They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that’s not true," Sheinbaum has said of the protests.

The teachers have called for demonstrations on Thursday that will also include families of so-called “disappeared" people, who are alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs.

The 2026 edition of the world’s biggest football extravaganza is the most logistically complex ever staged.

A vast global TV audience is expected to tune in to the opening ceremony and the match between Mexico and South Africa.

Mexico is still rushing to complete renovations at subway stations and at its main airport ahead of the tournament.

(With inputs from Agencies)

About the Author

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten...Read More

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