Protesters block road to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium before World Cup opener

MEXICO CITY: Thousands of protesters blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for several hours on Tuesday, days before the venue is due to stage the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

The demonstration came as Mexico, which is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada, continued to face disruptive teacher protests in the capital. Tuesday’s action was led by a breakaway faction of the CNTE teachers’ union after a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum has described as a provocation.

Police stopped the marchers from reaching the stadium itself, where Mexico are set to play South Africa in Thursday’s opening match. Thousands of officers were deployed and concrete barriers were installed around the venue. Protesters then remained on the road for about three hours before dispersing.

Mexico City Security Chief Pablo Vazquez said in a statement that the protest remained peaceful. Earlier, Sheinbaum said the opening match was guaranteed to go ahead, while again rejecting the use of police force to suppress the demonstrations. Her administration, has pursued talks with the protesting teachers, but without success so far.

Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum said the protests were being used to project a false image of unrest in the country.