Mexico City protests raise doubts over FIFA World Cup fan festival before opening ceremony

Escalating protests in Mexico City have restricted access to the central plaza due to a teachers union protest camp, putting the opening-night FIFA World Cup fan festival in doubt. With visitors arriving, residents and critics say authorities have prioritised tournament spending over local needs. President Claudia Sheinbaum faces mounting political and security pressures.

Protests in Mexico City are disrupting FIFA World Cup plans just before the opening ceremony. Demonstrators have blocked access to the Zócalo plaza, where the main free fan events were set. Mexico is hosting the tournament with the US and Canada. Some residents say officials focused on visitors while local needs were ignored.

President Claudia Sheinbaum is also handling wider pressure during the tournament. Mexico faces July trade negotiations with the US and a strained relationship. Officials are also dealing with scandals and security worries. These concerns grew after violence hit host city Guadalajara in February.

Mexico City World Cup fan festival faces protest block

On Wednesday, Sheinbaum said it was uncertain if the Zócalo could host the opening-night fan festival. A teachers union protest camp has limited entry to the plaza. Sheinbaum said that if the Zócalo cannot be used, there are 18 venues offering free viewing. "Everything is under control,\" Sheinbaum added.

\"Mexico wants to project an image to the world that doesnt exactly square with reality,\" said Carlos Perez Ricart, a political analyst at the Mexican Centre for Research and Economic Education. \"The World Cup is putting the president in a vulnerable situation... The government is under extreme pressure.\"

Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey have been decorated for the tournament. Streets show FIFA logos, orange Mexican marigold flowers, and large soccer balls. Many fans walked through Mexico City and showed excitement. Still, criticism has risen as visitors arrive and daily disruption continues.

Mexico City World Cup security plan spans three host cities

Authorities increased security after the February violence in Guadalajara. More than 100,000 soldiers, sailors, National Guard members and police officers are expected across the three host cities. Yet officials say social tensions remain the bigger challenge. Mexico City has seen the most visible disruption in recent days.

For over a week, the teachers union has knocked down World Cup statues and shut roads. The action is part of an annual demand for better working conditions. Families of Mexico’s more than 130,000 missing people also joined the street campaign. Many posted flyers and asked leaders to address humanitarian crises.

\"Were not against the ball game,\" said Luis Antonio Rosales Narváez, a protest organizer. \"But they should be investing in education... not giving the city a makeover.\" The criticism reflects anger about public spending and priorities. Residents say basic services need attention during the global event.

Mexico City World Cup opening events and economic expectations

The Mexican Soccer Federation expects the competition to bring in USD 3 billion for hotels, restaurants and sports venues. Thursday’s fan festival and the opening match may draw huge audiences. Mexico will play South Africa in the first game. Colombian superstar Shakira and others are scheduled to perform.

\"If all goes off without a hitch, it will be a feather in Sheinbaums cap,\" Perez Ricart said. He said it would show Mexico can run major events. The government is trying to avoid disruptions during the opening. Officials also want to reassure visitors about safety and transport.

Airports across the Americas are seeing heavy travel linked to the World Cup. Panama City’s airport was filled with multicoloured jerseys from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Germany and others. \"This year were defending the title, and well follow Argentina to the ends of the earth,\" shouted Emilio Sosa, a 29-year-old from Buenos Aires on his way to Los Angeles.

Some fans are travelling to Mexico for group-stage matches. David Botero, a 43-year-old Colombian, went to Mexico City with family. Colombia plays its opening match on June 17 against Uzbekistan. \"What matters is that well get to see our team up close,\" Botero said.

In downtown Mexico City, some locals voiced mixed feelings. Dr Jose Luis Munoz, 66, watched the changes near a park once full of street vendors. Authorities cleared vendors as part of street clean-up efforts. Munoz recalled taking children to matches during Mexico’s 1986 World Cup and sharing the excitement.

\"I was so excited, and that joy I passed on to my children,\" he said. Munoz said ticket costs stopped attendance this time. \"The prices are sky-high. Many people arent going to be able to go unless theyre foreigners with a lot of money,\" Munoz said. \"It feels very discriminatory.\" Munoz said Mexico’s team will still get support from home.

With inputs from PTI