Mexico City police used tear gas on June 1, 2026 [2], to disperse teachers protesting near the city's historic Zócalo square.
The clash occurred as the city prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the tension between long-standing labor grievances and the logistical demands of hosting a global sporting event.
Members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers, known as the CNTE, gathered to protest against education-policy grievances [1]. The demonstration targeted the Zócalo, which is currently the site of construction for the official World Cup Fan Fest [3].
Police deployed riot units to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the square. Officers used tear gas to push the crowd back and ensure that preparations for the tournament remained undisturbed [1]. This police action took place 10 days [1] before the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
The CNTE has a history of utilizing the Zócalo for high-visibility protests due to its status as the symbolic heart of the Mexican government. By blocking access to the site, authorities aimed to prevent any disruption to the infrastructure being built for international fans [3].
Local officials have not released a full tally of injuries resulting from the use of tear gas, but the intervention successfully kept the protesters away from the Fan Fest construction zone [3]. The teachers continue to demand changes to national education policies, while the city remains focused on the imminent arrival of the tournament [1].
“Police deployed tear gas to disperse the teachers’ protest.”
The use of force against the CNTE demonstrates the Mexican government's priority of maintaining a stable image and operational readiness for the 2026 World Cup. By prioritizing the Fan Fest construction over the teachers' right to protest in the Zócalo, the administration risks escalating labor tensions just as the global spotlight turns toward Mexico City.
