Protesters block road to Mexican World Cup stadium

Thousands of demonstrators converged on a major avenue leading to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, disrupting access just days before the 2026 World Cup is set to begin. An AFP journalist observed the scene as protesters, primarily from a breakaway faction of the CNTE teachers union, blocked the route, adding to a week of demonstrations in the capital.

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guaranteed

The stadium is scheduled to host the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. Despite the disruptions, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public that the match is "guaranteed." She characterized the teacher protests as a "provocation" aimed at highlighting perceived negative conditions in Mexico.

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provocation, as if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico.’

Authorities have responded by deploying thousands of officers and erecting concrete barriers approximately one kilometer from the stadium to contain the march. Protesters, however, remain determined to reach their destination. "We intend to reach the stadium," stated protester Angel Villalobos. "The government has given some responses, but they don’t help, they don’t satisfy." Another demonstrator, Austreberto Flores, vowed, "We’re going to continue our struggle."

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We intend to reach the stadium. The government has given some responses, but they don’t help, they don’t satisfy.