Mexico City has been hit by major disruption eight days before it hosts the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as teachers, retired judges and other groups staged mass protests.

The demonstrations, road closures and unfinished construction projects caused heavy traffic and forced millions of residents to deal with long delays and complicated re-routes.

The protests come as Mexico prepares to host the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium on Thursday 11 June.

Members of Mexico’s National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE), a dissident teachers’ union, have blocked major roads and warned that demonstrations could intensify unless the government addresses their demands.

The union is calling for salary increases and the repeal of a 2007 pension and social security reform affecting public-sector workers.

Teachers say President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has failed to fulfil campaign promises made to educators. Protesters have gathered near government buildings while union leaders hold talks with officials.

The demonstrations have mainly affected Insurgentes and Paseo de la Reforma, two of Mexico City’s busiest avenues. On Tuesday, some protesters toppled large football-player statues on Paseo de la Reforma, though CNTE representatives said those involved were not members of the union.

• FIFA World Cup 2026: Protests and construction cause disruption in Mexico City

Sheinbaum said her government would not respond with a crackdown or be drawn into confrontation.

At the same time, retired judges and magistrates have also been protesting in downtown Mexico City, demanding severance pay and pensions following the country’s 2024 judicial reform.

Residents and workers say the disruptions have made daily life increasingly difficult. Delivery drivers and commuters have reported major delays due to blocked streets and rerouted traffic.

Mexico will host 13 World Cup matches in total: five in Mexico City, four in Guadalajara and four in Monterrey. However, several infrastructure projects in the capital remain unfinished, including works at Benito Juarez International Airport, the metro system and major roads.

On Tuesday, a metal structure from a pedestrian bridge at the airport collapsed, injuring a motorist.

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