By John Nzerue, JKNewsMedia Sports Reporter
GROWING PROTESTS in Mexico City have raised concerns ahead of Thursday’s Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup opening ceremony and match between hosts Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that was expected to be a celebration of football’s biggest tournament has been overshadowed by demonstrations linked to teachers’ protests across the Mexican capital.
The FIFA World Cup opening ceremony is scheduled for June 11 at Azteca Stadium, but Mexico City is contending with a wave of protests that threaten to dominate attention before the start of the tournament.
“If there is no solution, the ball won’t roll,” striking teachers warned after toppling footballer statues along Paseo de la Reforma, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, and blocking major roads on Tuesday, according to German news agency dpa.
The unrest is expected to intensify as relatives of about 130,000 missing persons in Mexico, including families of the 43 Ayotzinapa teacher training students who disappeared in 2014, alongside farmers and lorry drivers, plan further demonstrations and roadblocks in the coming days.
Protests that began on June 4 intensified after demonstrators blocked a major road leading to Estadio Azteca, raising concerns over access to the stadium, fan movement and transport services ahead of the tournament opener.
Thousands joined the latest march, extending a week-long protest campaign that has disrupted parts of the city as international supporters arrive for the expanded 48 team World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States (US) and Canada.
Protesters said they expected to use the global attention generated by the FIFA World Cup to highlight their situation and demands.
Authorities deployed police barricades around key routes and prevented demonstrators from reaching the stadium. The developments have increased concerns that further protests could affect World Cup related activities in the days ahead.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public, insisting that the opening match would proceed as scheduled despite the unrest.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum guaranteed the tournament opener would go ahead and described the protests as a “provocation” intended to damage Mexico’s image internationally.
“It’s as if they want the world to see only the negative side of Mexico,” she said.
She also said security and logistics remained under control while ruling out the use of force against demonstrators, adding that her government would respect the right to peaceful protest.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the uncertainty comes as FIFA and local organisers prepare for the opening ceremony featuring international performers and celebrity guests before Mexico face South Africa in the first match of the tournament.
With millions expected to watch worldwide and security arrangements facing close scrutiny, organisers are seeking to keep the focus on football as the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins.
Officials remain confident that the event will proceed without major disruption, although the protests have introduced tension ahead of the opening celebrations.
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