CNTE plans protest at Mexico City stadium inauguration of World Cup 2026

The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) has announced that its members will march toward the Estadio Ciudad de México (also referred to as Estadio Banorte) during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The teachers intend to maintain a peaceful plantón in the historic centre, with camps set up on key streets such as Venustiano Carranza, 20 de Noviembre and near the Zócala, while demanding the abolition of the 2007 ISSSTE law and better pension benefits. After nearly seven hours of dialogue with the Secretaría de Gobernación, the CNTE said the proposals offered were insufficient and no agreement was reached, prompting a national assembly at 20:00 h to decide further actions.

Security forces have deployed around the stadium and Metro stations, with several lines (Bellas Artes, Hidalgo, Pino Suárez, Zócalo/Tenochtitlan, Allende, Chabacano) temporarily closed. Local merchants have also protested the fencing around the fan‑fest zone, demanding the removal of barriers so they can work. President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed that the country is prepared for the World Cup but acknowledged the ongoing negotiations with the teachers’ union.

The CNTE’s mobilisation seeks to make visible its demands ahead of a globally watched event, emphasizing that the strike will not be suspended for the tournament and that the teachers will not enter the stadium, but will remain on the streets to keep pressure on the federal government.