Mothers searching for disappeared relatives block major Mexico City road ahead of World Cup match

Groups of mothers searching for their disappeared relatives have blocked Calzada de Tlalpan near the Textitlán station of the Light Rail in Mexico City. The protesters stated their intention to advance towards the Estadio de la Ciudad de México to draw attention to the critical issue of disappearances in Mexico.

This marks the second time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that these search groups have demonstrated near the stadium in the Tlalpan area. Chanting slogans such as "Mexico, champion in disappearances" and "Join us, your son could be next," the demonstrators carried banners displaying the faces of their missing loved ones.

Some of the mothers distributed white roses to officials from the Mexico City Human Rights Commission and the Capital Search Commission present in the area. The blockade caused some motorists to turn around and travel in the opposite direction on Calzada de Tlalpan.

The protest occurred just before the World Cup match between Mexico and Czechia. The demonstrators are using the high-profile event to amplify their calls for action and to bring national attention to the widespread issue of enforced disappearances in the country. They seek to pressure authorities to intensify search efforts and provide answers to the families affected.