Teachers’ protests disrupt World Cup fan zone access in Mexico City
While the 2026 FIFA World Cup was officially inaugurated with a star-studded ceremony, logistical challenges emerged as teacher demonstrations restricted access to the Zocalo plaza, casting doubt on the President’s attendance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was officially inaugurated on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the commencement of the first tournament jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The opening ceremony preceded the inaugural match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, featuring a lineup of global artists and the presentation of the World Cup trophy. The event highlighted the expanded scope of the tournament, which now comprises 48 teams competing in 104 matches over a 39-day period.
The ceremony celebrated Aztec culture and the trilateral hosting arrangement, with performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli, and other international and regional artists. Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official anthem, ‘Dai Dai’, while Andrea Bocelli and EJAE presented ‘DNA’, the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem. World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault welcomed fans and acknowledged the historic nature of the event, noting that the stadium had previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere within the stadium, access to the nearby Zocalo fan zone was significantly disrupted by protests from teachers demanding pay rises. Metal barriers erected to prevent demonstrators from reaching the area led to crowd control issues, with city officials shouting through megaphones to manage the flow of spectators. Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police, while local government authorities declared the site full and directed attendees to alternative plazas.
The unrest raised questions regarding the security and organisation of public viewing areas, with one spectator describing the situation as chaotic. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum cast doubt on her presence at the Zocalo fan zone due to the ongoing protests, although she had been expected to attend. The disruption contrasted with the formal proceedings inside the stadium, where national anthems were performed by Tyla and Alejandro Fernandez, and clouds of smoke signalled the start of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup represents a significant shift in the tournament's structure, moving from a single or dual-host model to a trilateral arrangement. While the opening ceremony proceeded as planned, the logistical challenges in Mexico City underscore the complexities of managing large-scale international events amidst domestic civil unrest. The tournament will continue across venues in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with the expanded field of 48 teams setting a new precedent for future competitions.
