On Thursday, June 11, 2026, thousands of teachers from the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) began a march toward the Mexico City Stadium approximately an hour and a half before the official inauguration of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The protest marks the 11th day of their national strike, which started as a response to what they describe as a legitimate fight for their rights. The march began in Taxqueña, with the main speaker emphasizing the group’s demands and frustrations.

“Our National Representative Assembly agreed to march toward the Banorte Stadium. We take to the streets to tell Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s government to fulfill its campaign promises,” the speaker declared. The CNTE’s grievances focus on the unfulfilled promise to repeal the 2007 General Law of the ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers), a commitment originally made during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration.

The speaker also recalled that in 2024, then-presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to abolish the 2007 pension reform upon taking office. “That’s why we say these governments are more of the same: corrupt, traitorous, and deceitful. Claudia, you lied about the ISSSTE reform!” they shouted.

Among those present at the march were Fadlala Akababi, Undersecretary of Government, and observers from the Mexico City Human Rights Commission (CDHCDMX), ensuring the protest’s oversight.

This demonstration highlights ongoing tensions between educators and the government, underscoring the challenges in addressing social and labor rights amid major national events like the World Cup. For many, such moments also serve as platforms to amplify calls for justice and accountability.