President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered federal employees in Mexico City to work from home and suspended school classes on June 11, 2026 [1].
The decree aims to prevent total gridlock in one of the world's most congested capitals during the FIFA World Cup opening match. By removing thousands of commuters and students from the streets, the government hopes to maintain basic city functions while accommodating a massive influx of international visitors.
Sheinbaum issued the order to prioritize the movement of people and the safety of the public. The measures apply specifically to the capital city to ensure that the infrastructure can handle the surge in demand during the tournament's start [2].
"We want to ensure mobility, road safety and accessibility for residents and tourists during the World Cup kickoff," Sheinbaum said [3].
The decision reflects the scale of the event, which brings global attention and significant logistical challenges to the city. The suspension of classes and the shift to remote work for federal staff are intended to reduce the volume of vehicles on primary roads, a move designed to benefit both local residents and the tourists arriving for the festivities [4].
Local authorities are coordinating with transport sectors to manage the remaining traffic flow. The government believes that reducing the daily commute for a significant portion of the workforce will mitigate the risk of accidents and delays during the high-profile event [5].
This approach allows the city to leverage remote work as a tool for urban management during mega-events. The decree ensures that essential federal services remain active while the physical offices remain empty to clear the way for the World Cup celebrations [2].
“"We want to ensure mobility, road safety and accessibility for residents and tourists during the World Cup kickoff,"”
The decision to suspend normal city operations highlights the immense logistical pressure the FIFA World Cup places on host infrastructure. By implementing a mandatory remote-work day, the Mexican government is treating the sporting event as a critical public safety and mobility event rather than just a cultural celebration, acknowledging that Mexico City's traffic density could otherwise compromise the success of the tournament's opening.
