The protests in Mexico that could sabotage the start of the World Cup: what is the origin of the demonstrations faced by the Sheinbaum government?

In addition to the mobilization in the Mexican capital, demonstrations were also recorded in Zacatecas, Yucatán and Baja California, with reports of road blockades in Morelos, Sinaloa and Hidalgo.

The protests came hand in hand with a paralysis of school activities, with the CNTE reporting the suspension of school activities in up to a dozen states in Mexico, affecting more than two million students. The closing of the current school year was scheduled for July 15.

This Monday the 8th, three days before the start of the World Cup, the demonstrations have continued on some of the capital’s main roads with clashes between the police and protesters.

The government of Claudia Sheinbaum defended the labor benefits for the teaching union that have been introduced since the administration of its predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, recalling that in 2025 a 10% increase in salary was introduced to which the current 9% increase was going to be added.

Mario Delgado, Secretary of Public Education, pointed out that the role of the teaching profession is being “revalued” and that the monthly salary of teachers will reach 20,351 pesos (1,167 dollars) for next year, compared to the 11,952 pesos (685 dollars) that teachers earned towards the end of Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration.

Sheinbaum said of the negotiations that “the door is open” and that his administration “will guarantee that the opening of the World Cup” will take place “in peace and tranquility.” This Tuesday the 9th he described the protests on the eve of the start of the World Cup as a “provocation”.

Marcelino Rodarte Hernández, leader of the CNTE in Zacatecas, indicated that for now there has been no contact with the formal channels of his organization and that he will wait for the official proposal to evaluate any decision together with the other leaders of the movement. In that sense, he commented that for now “the strike continues” and that “this week contingents will join” the demonstrations.

The organizers of the protests have proposed blocking the main access roads to the Azteca Stadium in the capital to affect the opening of the World Cup, which will be this Thursday the 11th at 1 pm, local time. During this month’s marches some points related to the tournament such as the “Giants of Football” exhibition have been affected.

At the moment, the Mexican authorities have established a fence around the central square of the capital’s Zócalo to avoid affecting the World Cup fan fest. ESPN México reported that an operation with more than 10,000 agents has been planned to prevent protesters from being located on the roads surrounding the Mexico City stadium.