Mexico's CNTE teachers block Reforma amid World Cup 2026

The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) has escalated its nationwide protest, extending blockades to highways, border checkpoints, airports and, notably, Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma. Teachers demand the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, the elimination of individual retirement accounts, higher salaries and pension reforms.

Protest actions have impacted several states—including Sonora, Baja California, Chiapas, Guerrero, Morelos, Chihuahua, Nayarit and Sinaloa—through road closures, the temporary seizure of toll booths and disruptions at the Otay border crossing, affecting cargo traffic to the United States. In the capital, blockades on Reforma, Avenida Juárez and Bucareli have forced traffic diversions and prompted alerts from the city’s security authorities.

Negotiations with the federal government remain stalled after a scheduled meeting with Education Secretary Mario Delgado was cancelled. President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged direct school‑by‑school consultations but ruled out repression. CNTE leaders warned they could extend actions to other World Cup venues such as Guadalajara and Monterrey if demands are not met.