Alert+

Large-Scale Teachers’ Union Protests in Mexico as World Cup Begins

Teachers’ Strike Raises Operational Risks During World Cup

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 13:00 UTC 11 June 2026

Mexico’s largest teachers’ union, the National Coordinator of Education Workers (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación, CNTE), has continued to coordinate large-scale and disruptive protests across Mexico as the 2026 FIFA World Cup opens. The protests form part of an ongoing nationwide strike that began in May and has involved thousands of teachers and education workers across multiple states. The CNTE is demanding the repeal of pension reforms, higher wages, improved working conditions and direct negotiations with the federal government.

The World Cup, which is being co-hosted with the United States and Canada, is being contested by 48 teams across 104 matches in 16 cities, and opens on 11 June. Mexico is scheduled to play the inaugural match against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico’s three host cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Mexico City has remained the epicentre of the protest movement. Demonstrators have maintained a large encampment in the capital’s central district and have repeatedly disrupted transport networks through marches and by establishing roadblocks. On 5 June, teachers blocked several major roads across the capital, causing significant transport disruption. On 9 June, police prevented a teachers’ march from reaching a stadium scheduled to host FIFA World Cup events, and protesters have toppled World Cup symbols in the capital, including statues of football players. Protesters have also effectively blocked access to the central plaza (Zócalo) designated to host the capital’s main fan celebrations. On 10 June, protesters warned that they would block access to Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM).

Smaller-scale protests have also been observed in the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Morelos, Zacatecas and Baja California, where teachers have occupied government buildings, blocked roads and organised strikes. In several locations, protesters have reportedly used fireworks and other improvised projectiles during confrontations with authorities.

In response, Mexican authorities have mounted one of the country’s largest peacetime security operations. More than 100,000 soldiers, marines, National Guard and police personnel are reported to be deployed across the three host cities and major tourist destinations for the duration of the tournament, supported by anti-drone teams, surveillance-camera networks and specialised crowd-management units operating at stadiums, fan zones, airports and national-team camps in coordination with FIFA. The deployment also reflects broader security concerns: Guadalajara experienced a severe but brief outbreak of cartel-related violence earlier in the year, and host-city authorities have increased visible patrols to reassure visitors and residents.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Disruption Risks in Mexico Likely to Persist Throughout the Tournament

Large-scale, disruptive and coordinated protests have almost certainly been staged by the CNTE to maximise pressure on the central government ahead of and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and have likely been designed to provide minimal time for President Sheinbaum to concede to their demands. The deliberate targeting of World Cup symbols, such as player statues, and the establishment of an encampment near the capital’s fan zone have almost certainly been intended to signal the CNTE’s intent to disrupt the tournament and to increase the political and reputational cost of failing to resolve the dispute before the tournament begins.

With the World Cup beginning on 11 June, and Mexico hosting the opening match at the Estadio Azteca, it is increasingly unlikely that the government will concede to CNTE demands in the near term. The CNTE is likely to continue using the tournament as leverage by targeting high-visibility locations and key transport routes, which is likely to result in major disruption on the international stage and sustain pressure on the federal government throughout the early stages of the tournament.

The CNTE has successfully organised large-scale and coordinated protests across Mexico on multiple occasions. Moreover, several smaller protest movements, such as farmers’ and transport unions, have threatened to disrupt the tournament. The likelihood of protests continuing throughout the tournament is high, with protesters likely to target fan zones, World Cup venues, transport hubs, airports, border crossings, government buildings and major roads in order to cause significant disruption and achieve maximum visibility.

The government has already deployed security forces to prevent protesters from reaching World Cup venues and to clear or contain demonstrations, and is likely to deploy additional forces during the tournament. As a result, there is a high risk of violent clashes, arrests and the use of dispersal tactics at or near protest sites. If the protests continue to escalate, there is a realistic possibility that security resources will become overstretched, limiting the authorities’ ability to manage unrest while simultaneously protecting tournament sites and transport routes. This risk is likely further compounded in host cities such as Guadalajara, where security forces are also committed to countering organised crime threats. Any concurrent criminal or security incident could further reduce the resources available to manage protest activity.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Mexico

Travellers should avoid areas prone to protest or where demonstrations have been organised, particularly around World Cup venues, fan zones and fan festivals, government buildings and central Mexico City.
Travellers should closely monitor local news reports, government alerts, official FIFA and venue advisories, trusted local media, and, if available, a security provider’s intelligence feed for updates relevant to the demonstrations and to match-day arrangements.
Additional time should be allocated to all transfers to and from stadiums, fan zones and airports, and pre-plan alternative routes due to the high likelihood of roadblocks and marches.
Anticipate disruption at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM), particularly if protests affect access roads. Where feasible, consider Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) or Toluca as contingency options and allow additional time for check-in, transfers and security screening.
Where possible, vetted or private transport should be used and public transport avoided near demonstrations and city centres.
If in the vicinity of a protest, it is advised to leave the area if it is safe to do so, and always abide by the directions of police and security authorities.
If caught in a crowd and unable to leave, take precautions to minimise the risk of crowd crush: stay upright, move away from all hard barriers, move with and not against the crowd, and hold your arms at chest level in a boxer-like stance to relieve pressure.
Ensure that you always carry personal identification documents or copies.
Ensure all travellers know key contact numbers, including local emergency services, their embassy or consulate, accommodation security, venue security and any contracted assistance provider.
Organisations should review staff attendance plans for World Cup events, brief travellers on high-risk areas for protests, consider flexible or remote working arrangements during large-scale protests, and confirm emergency communications, check-in and rendezvous protocols before travel.