Mexico families protest forced disappearances amid World Cup matches

On the day of the FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea, families of the disappeared hung coordinated bilingual posters on highways and near the Guadalajara stadium, reading “Bienvenidos a Jalisco, la tierra de las desapariciones forzadas.” The peaceful demonstration, organized by the Guerreros Buscadores collective, sought to draw international attention to the state’s high rate of forced disappearances, which officials estimate at over 133,000 nationwide.

Hundreds of mothers marched through Guadalajara’s historic centre and near the Fan Fest venue, carrying photos of missing relatives and chanting “Que ya no falte ni uno más.” Similar protests unfolded in other host cities, including a large march toward Estadio Azteca that featured activist Vicky Ponce’s plea, “These hands have unearthed things you can’t imagine…”. In Morelos, relatives of femicide victim Andrea Maylín marched to demand justice, while in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, a search operation was met with gunfire, prompting calls for better security.

The demonstrations highlighted the contrast between the $23 billion invested in World Cup infrastructure and the lack of resources for forensic work and family support, underscoring a humanitarian crisis that persists amid the global tournament.