Mexico City police fired tear gas at protesting teachers to prevent them from reaching the historic square where an official World Cup 2026 Fan Fest is under construction, AFP reporters witnessed.
The clash erupted after teachers broke through one of the metal barriers erected at the entrance to the Zocalo square, just blocks from the government palace and a giant screen where fans will watch Mexico’s first World Cup match on June 11.
Hundreds of riot police guarded the square behind tall temporary metal barriers.
“This event must be suspended,” union leader Filiberto Frausto told AFP. “A cause like ours should come first – it is far more important than a bit of entertainment or fun.”
The dissident faction of the teachers’ union (CNTE) organized the march and threatened to bring “millions” of teachers to the capital during the World Cup unless the government meets its demands for higher wages and a reversal of pension law changes.
One protester said he was hit by an unknown object and was taken away as blood flowed from a head wound.
