On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the FIFA Fan Festival officially opened at the Zócalo in Mexico City, offering soccer fans a vibrant space to follow the World Cup action despite ongoing protests by the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE).

The festival, part of FIFA’s official network of fan zones across the 2026 World Cup host cities, runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026, with daily hours varying according to match schedules and planned activities. For the opening day, festivities began at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 10:30 p.m., welcoming up to 55,000 attendees free of charge.

While the city celebrates the tournament’s kickoff match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Ciudad de México, the Zócalo offers an alternative gathering spot for thousands of supporters eager to share the excitement in a communal setting.

However, the event unfolds amid a tense backdrop: the CNTE has maintained a protest camp in the Plaza de la Constitución and confirmed they will continue their demonstrations on June 11. These actions follow unsuccessful federal government negotiations, with teachers deciding to keep their presence despite some concessions.

Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation during her morning press conference on June 11, stating she has not yet confirmed whether she will attend the Fan Fest. Her participation depends on how events develop throughout the day, reflecting the delicate balance between supporting public celebrations and acknowledging ongoing social demands.

Authorities have advised visitors to plan ahead for potential disruptions, as some stations on Metro Line 2—including the heavily used Zócalo/Tenochtitlan stop—may close temporarily due to protests. Despite these challenges, the Fan Fest continues to operate normally, aiming to provide an inclusive and festive environment for fans from Mexico and beyond.

This dynamic illustrates the complex realities of hosting a global event in a city where civic engagement and social movements remain vibrant. For many, the Fan Fest represents not only a chance to enjoy world-class soccer but also a space where diverse voices and experiences coexist.