Protesters block road to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium ahead of World Cup opener
via The Namibian2 min read
Thousands of demonstrators, led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. This protest follows a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum called a “provocation.” The Azteca Stadium is set to host the World Cup’s first game on Thursday, featuring Mexico against South Africa. Authorities have deployed thousands of officers and set up concrete barriers around the venue to prevent protests. Demonstrators, including Angel Villalobos and Austreberto Flores, stated their intention to reach the stadium, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's responses. Sheinbaum has guaranteed the opening match but ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations, favoring dialogue that has not yet resolved the situation. The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week, demanding a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law. Teachers have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zocalo square, where police dispersed protesters with rubber bullets and teargas on June 1. Sheinbaum has asserted that the protests do not reflect widespread social turmoil. Further demonstrations are planned for Thursday, including families of “disappeared” people. Mexico is also working to complete renovations at subway stations and its main airport for the tournament.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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