Violent protests erupted just before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when a group of demonstrators stormed Mexico's Ministry of Education building, breaking down doors, damaging property, and setting fires inside the premises.
The unrest occurred last Wednesday after a faction broke away from the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE) and organized a large demonstration ahead of the World Cup, which Mexico, the United States, and Canada will co-host starting on 11 June at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Reports stated that protesters used lampposts as battering rams to break into the Ministry of Education headquarters, destroying security checkpoints, smashing windows, and setting fires, while authorities rushed to control the situation.
Earlier, the teachers marched in protest expressing dissatisfaction with the government, demanding salary increases and the repeal of the new pension law, threatening to continue demonstrations throughout the World Cup if their demands were not met.
President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed that the government would not use violence to suppress the protesters despite mounting pressure ahead of the global event.
The Mexican government has proposed a 9% salary increase for teachers, which remains far below the 100% raise demanded by the opposing teachers' faction.
The situation remains under close watch as Mexico prepares to welcome the 2026 World Cup, an event expected to attract large numbers of tourists and football fans from around the world.
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