Mexico teachers union CNTE plans protest at Azteca Stadium ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) announced that it will stage a protest on the outskirts of Estadio Azteca during the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Mexico faces South Africa on June 11. Union leader Pedro Hernández said the demonstration will feature banners and slogans to publicise the group’s demands, stressing that it will not confront spectators or security forces.

He warned that the CNTE aims to “reach the final” by securing the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law and obtaining changes to the education reform, while also reinforcing its existing camp in Mexico City’s historic centre with several hundred teachers. The federal government has reiterated its willingness to keep dialogue open and urged that the protests remain peaceful and do not disrupt students or the public.