Mexico welcomes World Cup opener amid protests and security tensions
Theo Al Jazeera
The 2026 World Cup opening in Mexico is overshadowed by teacher union protests blocking central squares and lingering security concerns after February violence. President Sheinbaum pledges safety, with over 100,000 troops and police deployed across three host cities. Families of the missing call for focus on humanitarian crises rather than city beautification.
The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup took place in Mexico on June 11 as the capital, Mexico City, faced a surge of protests threatening to overshadow fan celebrations. The teachers' union set up a camp protest lasting more than a week, toppled World Cup monuments, and blocked numerous roads, prompting authorities to consider relocating fan festival activities from the Zócalo square.
Under the plan, Mexico – co-host with the United States and Canada – was to kick off the tournament with a star-studded event, followed by the national team facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City. However, President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was uncertain whether the city could hold a free public festival on opening night, as the central square area remained blocked.
“If for some reason the Zócalo cannot be used for the opening ceremony, there are 18 other locations where people can watch for free,” Sheinbaum said on June 10, adding that “everything is under control.” The female president has faced criticism over spending on the tournament, as well as political scandals and security worries after an outbreak of violence in a host city in February.
Families of more than 130,000 missing people in Mexico posted flyers urging the government to focus on humanitarian crises rather than spending on the city's appearance. “We are not against the ball,” said Luis Antonio Rosales Narvaez, a protest organizer. “But they should invest in education… not in renovating the city.”
On security, Mexico has deployed more than 100,000 soldiers, marines, National Guard members, and police across three host cities – Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey – along with major tourist sites throughout the tournament. Anti-drone units, surveillance camera networks, special crowd management teams, and military-police patrols will coordinate with FIFA at stadiums, fan festivals, airports, team camps, and other strategic facilities.
In Guadalajara, hosting four World Cup matches, local officials said visitors had nothing to worry about after a spike in violence in February, when the Mexican military killed the country's most powerful drug lord. “The important thing to remember is that normality returned in less than 48 hours after the February incident,” said Alfonso Briseno, security coordinator for Jalisco state. “I invite all visitors, especially those who will compete in Guadalajara… They will be welcomed. The government of Mexico and the state of Jalisco guarantee their safety.”
Nearly 15,000 security personnel have been deployed in the area, including National Guard officers armed with assault rifles and vehicle-mounted machine guns near the stadium where matches are held. Security in Guadalajara will be particularly tight during the match between Spain and Uruguay on June 26, when King Felipe VI of Spain is expected to attend.
The tournament is expected to generate $3 billion for hotels, restaurants, and sports venues, according to the Mexican Football Federation. The fan festival and opening match on June 11 are expected to draw large audiences, featuring Colombian superstar Shakira and other artists.
