Mexico families of disappeared stage protest at World Cup opening

In Mexico City, on the day the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened, groups of mothers and relatives of missing persons marched near the Estadio Ciudad de México to draw attention to the country’s disappearance crisis. The demonstrators walked along Calzada de Tlalpan, approached the stadium’s security perimeter and were eventually contained by police. No major clashes were reported, but the activists said the police barrier limited their access.

Yoltzi Martínez, a leading protester, told reporters, “Somos madres buscadoras que paliamos, que lloramos, que nos duele la desaparición; era lo único que les queríamos decir.” In response, Amnesty International urged Mexican authorities to fully protect the right to peaceful protest, with director‑general Edith Olivares Ferreto stating, “Las autoridades tienen la obligación de facilitar y proteger el derecho a la protesta pacífica, no de obstaculizarlo.” The organization called for dialogue, protection of demonstrators and investigation of any alleged abuses.