Jalisco to adopt remote work, suspend classes for World Cup opening

The government of Jalisco, Mexico, will implement remote work for state offices and suspend classes on June 11, the day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City. The decision aims to mitigate the impact of the international event on urban mobility, public safety, and essential services.

A state decree justifies the measures by stating that Jalisco cannot guarantee urban mobility, road safety, administrative continuity, or efficient public services due to the significant influx of visitors and increased demand. The World Cup opening, a major international event, is expected to heavily influence the functioning of governmental, economic, and social activities within the host city and its surrounding areas.

The remote work policy, however, excludes essential services such as security, health, and public transportation, as well as areas directly involved in the World Cup's organization. The state has also encouraged the private and social sectors to adopt similar flexible work arrangements or adjusted schedules for their non-essential administrative functions.

This initiative reflects the logistical challenges posed by hosting a global sporting event. By shifting to remote operations and suspending classes, Jalisco seeks to ensure the smooth functioning of critical services while allowing citizens to experience the event without undue disruption to daily life.