Mexico's World Cup 2026 opener leads to early municipal staff leave and questions over President Sheinbaum's attendance

The municipal government of Ciudad Juárez authorized most administrative employees to finish work at noon on 11 June so they could watch Mexico's opening match against South Africa at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Essential services such as public security, civil protection and firefighting remained on duty.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would decide whether to attend the Fan Fest in the Zócalo after assessing the ongoing teachers' protests. She told reporters, "Vamos a ver cómo se desarrolla lo que está ocurriendo con los maestros…" and added that the demonstrations, some of which turned violent, were a provocation. The Fan Fest was planned to host up to 60,000 fans for free during the tournament. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Estadio Azteca.

Sheinbaum had earlier promised to attend and had given a ticket to an Indigenous girl, but the nationwide teachers' strike led by the CNTE has kept her decision in doubt.