More than 10,000 security staff have been drafted in amid fears that mass protests could threaten the start of the World Cup. The 2026 tournament begins on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at Mexico City’s Banorte Stadium, better known as the Azteca. And protestors have warned that ” the ball won’t roll” if their demands are not met.
A grand ceremony is planned to open the first 48-team World Cup in history. In a headache for organisers, the day will be accompanied by demonstrations by various groups. Teachers, farmers, transport workers and families of missing people will be part of at least six groups of demonstrators that will aim to bring the capital to a halt. Under mantras such as “If there’s no solution, the ball won’t roll,” the protesters want to bring their demands to the attention of an international audience and the thousands of tourists who will be in the country.
From Thursday morning, the groups plan to march and bike along main city routes before converging on the stadium at 1pm local time (6pm BST), when the opening ceremony is due to start.
Families of missing people are planning to form human chains near the stadium and hold a minute of silence for their loved ones. Teachers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union will attempt to block access to the FIFA Fan Fest and hold marches near major transport hubs.
In conjunction with the blockades near the stadium in the south of the city, a contingent of more than 100,000 teachers from the CNTE will maintain a presence in the city centre.
As a result, organisers have planned alternative routes to ensure both teams’ safe passage to the 87,000-capacity venue. As part of a mammoth operation, the Mexico City Government will reportedly deploy more than 10,000 security personnel around the stadium and the nearby hotel district.
Authorities have said that while they respect the right to protest, a mass blockade or sabotage of the opening event will not be permitted. Some of the protesters are demanding the scrapping of a government administrative body, the USICAMM, and the repeal of a law that has adversely affected state employees’ pensions.
Marches by the CNTE have already taken place this week, with union chiefs demanding immediate government action. Marcelino Rodarte, the Secretary General of Section 58 of the union, said: “On June 11, the ball won’t roll if there is no response for the organised teachers.
“For these people who, from the presidency, are now creating a huge distance, preferring to side with the powerful and wealthy rather than with the people. They cater to the bankers and business owners, but they don’t listen to the people.”
Mexico will host 13 matches during the World Cup, with Guadalajara and Monterrey also staging games. England could potentially play Mexico in Mexico City in the knockout stage if they win their group.