… Mexico insists tournament opener will go ahead despite demonstrations near Estadio Azteca
Just hours before the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of ongoing protests in Mexico City on Thursday’s opening ceremony and match between hosts Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The tournament curtain-raiser, which is expected to attract a global audience of millions, has been overshadowed by a wave of social unrest linked to continuing demonstrations by teachers in the Mexican capital.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday (early hours of Wednesday) when protesters blocked a major avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca, raising fears about access to the stadium and the smooth running of World Cup activities.
Thousands of demonstrators reportedly took part in the latest protest, extending a week-long campaign that has disrupted parts of the city and drawn significant public attention just as international supporters arrive for football’s biggest event.
The demonstrations come at a sensitive moment for Mexico, which is hosting the opening match of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup and is sharing hosting duties with the United States and Canada.
Authorities moved quickly to prevent the protesters from reaching the stadium, with a police blockade stopping the march before it could get close to the venue. However, the scenes have fuelled concerns over whether further protests could affect the opening ceremony, fan movements and transport routes around the city.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure organisers, supporters and visiting delegations that the tournament opener would proceed as planned.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum insisted that the opening match was “guaranteed” despite the unrest.
The Mexican leader described the ongoing demonstrations as a “provocation”, suggesting that some groups were attempting to project a negative image of the country at a time when global attention is focused on Mexico City.
“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,’” Sheinbaum said.
While reaffirming her government’s commitment to ensuring the World Cup opener goes ahead, the left-leaning president also ruled out deploying security forces to suppress the demonstrations.
Her administration has instead sought to balance public order with respect for the protesters’ right to demonstrate, a stance that could be tested if further marches are organised in the coming days.
The uncertainty comes as FIFA and local organisers prepare for a star-studded opening ceremony featuring international music acts and special guests before Mexico face South Africa in the first match of the tournament.
With fans continuing to pour into the city and security arrangements under intense scrutiny, organisers will be hoping the focus returns to football rather than unrest as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins.
For now, officials remain confident that the showpiece event will proceed without major disruption, but the protests have added an unexpected layer of tension to what was meant to be a celebratory opening to the biggest World Cup in history.
