Protesting teachers in Mexico topple player statues days before World Cup

Protesting teachers in Mexico City brought down towering statues of international football players on a major avenue, escalating their labor dispute just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin. The demonstration, led by a dissident faction of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE), targeted the "Giants of Football" exhibition along the Paseo de la Reforma.

Using ropes, the protesters toppled three five-meter-high plastic statues, removing and burning their uniforms. Graffiti on a mannequin declared "Long live the CNTE" and warned, "If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll," signaling their intent to disrupt the global sporting event if their demands are ignored.

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If (Sheinbaum) calls toppling some statues a crime, what would she call the act of taking away our rights? We need to be more firm.

The CNTE faction is pushing for a substantial 100% salary raise and is vehemently opposed to recent pension reforms. They have already rejected a 9% salary increase that the government had negotiated with the official leadership of the teachers' union, deeming it insufficient.

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Long live the CNTE.

This action follows a previous day's march where police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse protesters near the Zocalo plaza, a key venue for the World Cup's "Fan Fest." Security measures, including metal barricades, were visible around the plaza on Tuesday.

Juan Pablo de la Cruz, a 44-year-old teacher involved in the protest, stated, "If (Sheinbaum) calls toppling some statues a crime, what would she call the act of taking away our rights? We need to be more firm." President Claudia Sheinbaum described the protest as peaceful, and the government issued a statement calling for renewed dialogue. Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada.

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If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll.