Protesting teachers in Mexico have toppled giant football player statues in Mexico City and threatened further demonstrations just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to AFP, members of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE), a dissident faction of Mexico’s teachers’ union, pulled down three five-metre-tall football player statues along the capital’s iconic Paseo de la Reforma on Tuesday.
The statues, part of a World Cup-themed public exhibition, represented players from Belgium, France and Spain. Protesters used ropes to bring them down, stripped off their uniforms and set them ablaze. Graffiti left at the scene included messages such as, “Long live the CNTE” and “If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll.”
The protest comes amid a growing dispute between the union faction and the government over wages and pension reforms. The CNTE is demanding a 100 per cent salary increase and has rejected a nine per cent pay rise agreed between the government and the official union leadership.
The group has also threatened mass demonstrations during the opening of the FIFA World Cup on June 11. Mexico is co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Canada.
Tensions have risen in recent days after police dispersed another teachers’ march near Mexico City’s central Zocalo plaza on Monday using tear gas and sound grenades. The plaza is set to host a major World Cup Fan Fest during the tournament.
Tuesday’s protest caused major traffic disruptions across the capital. Despite the destruction of several international player statues, the mannequin wearing Mexico’s national team kit remained standing.
Speaking during the protest, teacher Juan Pablo de la Cruz criticised the government’s stance, arguing that workers’ rights were under threat.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the demonstration as peaceful and called for continued dialogue. A government statement also urged both sides to return to negotiations.
The latest unrest raises concerns about potential disruptions as Mexico prepares to welcome football fans from around the world for one of the sport’s biggest events.
