Protesters demanding higher wages from the Mexican federal government have torn down several World Cup-themed player statues in Mexico City, less than a week before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
According to a report by the BBC, the demonstrators, largely made up of teachers, warned that they could disrupt World Cup matches if the government failed to engage them in negotiations over their demands.
Videos shared online showed protesters pulling down the statues, which had been installed as part of preparations for the tournament scheduled to kick off in Mexico City on June 11.
One of the protesters, Fabian Villegas, expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to respond to their concerns.
“We feel important as teachers because no matter how we demonstrate, no matter how much we march, and no matter how loudly we speak, the government isn’t listening,” Villegas said.
The protest action, however, drew criticism from some residents and bystanders who argued that damaging public property was not an appropriate way to press for change, particularly as the country prepares to welcome thousands of international visitors for the global football event.
“This is not the right way to protest,” one bystander said. “We want to receive international tourists, and doing it this way is embarrassing.”
Another resident added: “I’m not saying they shouldn’t protest, but they shouldn’t over do it in this ways, that impact all of us.”
