With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off in Mexico in just one week, questions have arisen about whether the country will observe a holiday or allow remote work and online classes to enjoy the opening match. On Thursday, June 4, 2026, Mexico City’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, clarified the situation during her morning press conference.

Sheinbaum explained that there will be no nationwide holiday or mandatory school break for the event. Instead, each state will decide independently how to handle the World Cup days. The priority is ensuring that the opening ceremony and matches can proceed smoothly.

In Mexico City, Sheinbaum noted that local government workers will receive special arrangements, thanks to coordination with the Secretariat of Labor. However, for private sector employees, the decision rests with individual companies. Declaring a non-working day would trigger labor laws requiring overtime pay, making it a complex choice for employers.

She emphasized that in Mexico City, Nuevo León, and Jalisco—states hosting World Cup matches—there is guidance to suspend classes and encourage flexible work schedules during game days to allow people to watch the matches.

Back in April, Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, revealed efforts to partner with the private sector to promote home office during the World Cup. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and lower CO₂ emissions, as private transportation is a major pollution source. Brugada framed the tournament as an opportunity to spark public dialogue on sustainable urban mobility.

Some institutions have already embraced remote work during the tournament. For example, the National Electoral Institute (INE) announced last month it will temporarily implement home office during the World Cup. INE’s executive secretary, Claudia Arlett Espino, highlighted that this decision was made responsibly, considering both staff and public needs amid expected mobility challenges.

Other government agencies and private companies have followed suit, but Sheinbaum reiterated that each workplace will decide based on its own policies and leadership.

For those living in or visiting Mexico during the World Cup, this flexible approach balances the excitement of the global event with practical considerations around work and school schedules. It also subtly supports sustainable transport solutions—like the upcoming cablebús system in Puebla—that can help ease urban congestion during major events.