World Cup celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico

By — Megan Janetsky, Associated Press Megan Janetsky, Associated Press By — María Verza, Associated Press María Verza, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/world-cup-celebrations-clash-with-social-tensions-in-mexico Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter World Cup celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico World Jun 11, 2026 12:18 PM EDT MEXICO CITY (AP) — Escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico's capital threaten to derail FIFA World Cup celebrations on the eve of the opening ceremony as protesters effectively block off access to the plaza set to host the country's main fan celebrations. READ MORE: Mexico City installed a chandelier in its metro for the World Cup. Cue the mocking memes Mexico jointly hosts the soccer tournament with the U.S. and Canada and kicks off festivities Thursday with a star-studded event, even as some critics say the government has spent too much time and money catering to international visitors at residents' expense. The games begin as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum walks a political tightrope, navigating a deteriorating relationship with the U.S. ahead of July trade negotiations, along with political scandals and security concerns following a burst of violence in a World Cup host city in February. Pressure has mounted as guests flood into Mexico City. Residents say authorities have prioritized the competition over pressing social needs. READ MORE: World Cup by the numbers: 1,248 players, 48 teams and 3 countries make this the largest ever On Wednesday night, more than 1,000 relatives of Mexico's missing people marched toward the stadium where the opening match was set to be played Thursday carrying candles and photographs of their missing loved ones. Earlier in the day, Sheinbaum also said it was unclear whether Mexico City could host its free fan festival on opening night because a teachers' union protest camp has blocked access to the plaza. "Mexico wants to project an image to the world that doesn't exactly square with reality," said Carlos Pérez Ricart, a political analyst at the Mexican Center for Research and Economic Education. "The World Cup is putting the president in a vulnerable situation … The government is under extreme pressure." Dissident teachers from Mexico's National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) lift their fists and hold flags as they take part in a protest ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on June 9, 2026. Photo by Luis Cortes/ Reuters World Cup is a showcase for the country FIFA's logo, orange Mexican marigold flowers, giant soccer balls and other decorations line streets across Mexico's capital and the two other host cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Fans buzzed with excitement as they strolled through Mexico City's streets. The competition is expected to bring in $3 billion for hotels, restaurants and sports venues, according to the Mexican Soccer Federati