Striking teachers wreaked havoc on Tuesday in downtown Mexico City, just days before the city hosts the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Protesters pulled down giant mannequins of soccer players, ripped off their clothes, and set them on fire on the city's main Paseo de la Reforma. They also set soccer balls alight and blocked major roads across the capital.
Teachers' Demands and Threats
The teachers, associated with the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union, are calling for salary increases and the reversal of pension laws. They have threatened to protest during the World Cup unless a solution is reached. On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside the interior ministry, chanting, "If there is no solution, the ball won't roll," in reference to the upcoming tournament.
Impact on Government Meetings
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum was scheduled to meet with a top Spanish official on Tuesday, but due to teachers blocking access to the Zocalo and National Palace, the meeting had to take place via Zoom, according to La Jornada.
Previous Clashes and Injuries
The chaos follows a day of violence on Monday, when striking teachers were teargassed and reportedly shot with rubber bullets by riot police as they marched toward the historic Zocalo plaza. The square is expected to host the 2026 World Cup Fan Fest. Five protesters were injured, including one teacher who lost an eye, according to union leadership. Mexico City authorities have denied using rubber bullets or teargas.
Union Criticism
Filiberto Frausto, one of the union leaders, criticized authorities for blocking access to the Zocalo, stating, "This shows that the spaces of the people can be privatized at the whim and for the benefit of the large corporations behind this World Cup, minimizing the fight for workers' rights."
Government Response and Skepticism
Mexican authorities insist they are moving toward an agreement with the teachers. President Sheinbaum said on Monday, "Through dialogue, we will try to address the problems that are feasible to address. There are some demands that the budget doesn't allow us to fully meet, but there are some that we can; so, we are addressing them." However, teachers remain unconvinced. Sergio Cruz, a protesting teacher, told the Guardian, "All the government has done is hold meetings for dialogue, but there's no progress. We are demanding justice."
Economic Concerns
The protests have sparked anger and fear among business owners in and around Mexico's historic downtown, who were hoping for an economic boost from the World Cup. Gerardo Lopez Becerra, head of the Concomercio business group, said, "All the businesses around the main square were saying it was going to be great, that lots of people, lots of tourists, would come. But with these tents set up in different parts of the historic center, it's affecting a lot of businesses." Becerra estimated that as many as 10,000 businesses could be affected by the ongoing protests.
Teachers' Resolve
Despite the economic impact, teachers have vowed to continue marching until a solution is reached, even if it means holding protests during the World Cup. "The protests will go on," said Cruz. "It's a moment for the world to know what kind of government we have."
