Mexico braced for celebrations, protests as World Cup opens amid tensions

Published 11 June 2026 · sports

President Sheinbaum promises safe World Cup as host cities ramp up security after cartel violence scare and protests. Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s

President Sheinbaum promises safe World Cup as host cities ramp up security after cartel violence scare and protests. Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital have threatened to derail FIFA World Cup celebrations on the eve of the opening ceremony, with protesters effectively blocking off access to the plaza set to host the country’s main fan celebrations. Mexico, jointly hosting the global tournament with the United States and Canada, kicks off festivities on Thursday with a star-studded event and the home team taking on South Africa in the opening game in Mexico City. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has come under criticism over her government’s spending on the tournament, along with political scandals and security concerns following a burst of violence in a World Cup host city in February. Pressure has mounted on her as guests flood into Mexico City. Residents say authorities have prioritised the competition over pressing social needs. On Wednesday, Sheinbaum said it was unclear whether Mexico City could host its free fan festival on opening night because a teachers’ union protest camp has blocked access to the plaza. ‘Everything is under control’ FIFA’s logo, orange Mexican marigold flowers, giant footballs and other decorations line streets across Mexico’s capital and the two other host cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Fans buzzed with excitement as they strolled through Mexico City’s streets. The competition is expected to bring in $3bn for hotels, restaurants and sports venues, according to the Mexican Football Federation. Thursday’s fan festival and opening match are expected to draw more viewers than much of the competition, with Colombian superstar Shakira and others scheduled to perform. Social tensions have posed the greatest obstacle, particularly in Mexico City. For more than a week, the country’s teachers’ union has toppled World Cup statues and blocked roads in an annual push for better working conditions. Families of Mexico’s more than 130,000 missing people have hung flyers of their loved ones and said authorities should focus on addressing humanitarian crises in Mexico. “We’re not against the ball game,” said Luis Antonio Rosales Narvaez, a protest organiser. But “they should be investing in education … not giving the city a makeover.” Sheinbaum had denied there was any social unrest ahead of the tournament, but on Wednesday she acknowledged that “if for some reason the Zocalo cannot be used for the opening, there are 18 venues where people can watch it free of charge”, referring to Mexico City’s main square. “Everything is under control,” she added. Security ramped up ahead of opener More than 100,000 soldiers, marines, Guard and police officers were expected to be deployed across the three Mexican host cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey — as well as in major tourist destinations during the World Cup.