On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the recent violent protests by the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) during her morning press conference at Palacio Nacional. These demonstrations forced the cancellation of volunteer training for the FIFA Fan Fest scheduled in Mexico City’s Zócalo.

Sheinbaum firmly rejected calls for repression, stating, “We are not Díaz Ordaz,” referencing the former president known for his harsh crackdown on protests in 1968. She emphasized that her government will not fall into provocations just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City.

Her exact words were: “They want us to respond with repression as a prelude to the World Cup, but we will not fall for it. The dialogue remains open to address the teachers’ concerns.”

The president also touched on the recent 10 percent tariff imposed on Mexico and Canada following investigations related to forced labor, signaling that this issue would be part of ongoing discussions.

This stance highlights a commitment to dialogue over force, reflecting a more inclusive approach to social conflicts during a critical moment for Mexico on the global stage. Meanwhile, the cancellation of the Fan Fest volunteer training underscores the tangible impact of social unrest on major international events.

For migrants and international residents in Mexico, this moment illustrates the complex balance between civic protest, government response, and the country’s role as a World Cup host—an event that promises to bring global attention and diverse crowds to Mexico City.