Mexico city: The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced with a victory for the Mexican national team against South Africa, yet the celebratory atmosphere was clouded by significant protests throughout Mexico City. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to express their grievances against the government, focusing on issues such as pension reforms and the country's alarming disappearance crisis.

According to Anadolu Agency, the protests began early in the morning, well before the global tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, kicked off. Demonstrators from various social movements assembled at key locations across Mexico City to protest against ongoing violence and to criticize the federal government's inaction on critical issues.

The National Coordinator of Education Workers, one of Mexico's largest labor groups, played a prominent role in the protests by blocking major roadways in southern Mexico City, leading to Azteca Stadium, where the World Cup's opening match took place. Teachers from across the nation gathered to demand the reversal of 2007 pension reforms, which shifted from a state-backed system to one reliant on individual contributions tied to financial markets. This change, they argue, has resulted in inadequate pensions for retired educators.

Professor Alejandro Gutierrez, a protest organizer, highlighted the government's failure to fulfill promises made during the 2024 campaign. He accused President Claudia Sheinbaum of prioritizing financial interests over the welfare of public sector workers, leading to significant foreign control over pension funds.

The World Cup, according to Gutierrez, serves as an international platform to highlight the widespread dissatisfaction in Mexico, encompassing issues beyond the teachers' plight, as other social groups also demand solutions to unaddressed problems.

Elisa Portillo, a music teacher participating in the protest, criticized President Sheinbaum for reneging on campaign promises and alleged that the administration is more concerned with international approval than addressing domestic issues.

In another part of the city, on Reforma Avenue, mothers of missing relatives gathered to demand action on the disappearance crisis, which has seen over 130,000 cases nationwide. Activist Maricela Reyes emphasized the importance of keeping the issue in the spotlight during the World Cup, noting a lack of governmental strategy to address the crisis effectively.

Amidst the celebratory opening match at Azteca Stadium, clashes between protesters and city police led to the arrest of 12 demonstrators, predominantly students. Despite the lack of an official statement from the Mexico City government, student groups and other organizations continue to seek public support in response to the arrests.