Members of the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) have threatened to boycott and disrupt the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
The protests leverage the global visibility of the tournament to pressure the government of Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum into reversing education reforms and improving teacher benefits.
Protesters targeted Paseo de la Reforma, where they blocked traffic and attacked a World Cup exhibition. During these demonstrations, teachers burned a soccer ball and knocked down figures at the display [2], [3]. These actions occurred during a blockade on June 2, 2024 [4].
The CNTE is demanding the reversal of recent education reforms and the repeal of the 2007 [5] ISSSTE law. The union said the repeal is necessary to increase salaries and raise pensions for educators [1], [6].
Government officials have maintained a line of communication with the union. The administration of Mayor Sheinbaum said it is continuing dialogues to reach an agreement with the teachers [7].
Despite these talks, the CNTE has warned that the tournament may be disrupted if their demands are not met. The group's strategy involves using the international spotlight of the 2026 [1] event to ensure their grievances are heard by the federal and city governments.
“CNTE members have threatened to boycott and disrupt the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.”
The CNTE is utilizing a high-stakes international event to create political leverage. By targeting the 2026 World Cup, the union aims to create an embarrassment for the Mexican government on a global stage, forcing a faster resolution to long-standing disputes over the 2007 pension laws and educational policy.
