President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a decree ordering mandatory remote work for federal employees in Mexico City on June 11, 2026 [1].
The measure aims to prevent total gridlock in the capital during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By reducing the number of commuters, the government intends to maintain road safety and ensure the city can handle the influx of international visitors.
The decree, signed by Sheinbaum and Secretary of Governance Rosa Icela Rodríguez, applies to the Federal Public Administration [2]. It also mandates the suspension of in-person classes at all educational levels within Mexico City [6]. The official order was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación [2].
Government officials said the move "paralyzes non-essential in-person activities to lighten traffic and guarantee road safety during the start of the World Cup" [1]. However, the mandate does not apply to everyone. Health workers and individuals directly involved in the organization of the 2026 World Cup are not subject to the home-office requirement [4].
While the government has a direct mandate over public servants, the private sector faces a different set of guidelines. The decree urges private companies to implement remote-work measures to further alleviate congestion [5]. This request is an exhortation rather than a legal obligation for businesses [5].
Mexico City is preparing for a massive surge in population as the tournament begins. The decision to shift public administration to remote work is a strategic attempt to keep the city's primary arteries open for emergency services and tournament logistics.
“Paraliza las actividades presenciales no esenciales para aligerar el tráfico y garantizar la seguridad vial”
This decree reflects the logistical challenges of hosting a global event in one of the world's most congested cities. By mandating remote work for the public sector, the Mexican government is attempting to create a 'buffer' of road capacity. The success of the measure depends largely on whether the private sector follows the government's non-binding exhortation, as corporate employees make up a significant portion of the city's daily traffic.
