Co-hosts Mexico guarantee a peaceful World Cup for fans despite ongoing protests

A teachers' union has warned of protests during Thursday's opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City if the authorities fail to meet their demands for wage increases and pension changes.

Sheinbaum stated during her daily press briefing, "We will ensure that the World Cup festivities are carried out smoothly, in peace and calm."

The previous week, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrators near the historic Zócalo square, where a large screen has been set up for a World Cup fan zone.

The streets around the square are still blocked by metal barriers, which Sheinbaum claims are intended to prevent "provocations."

Last week, protesting teachers also knocked over commemorative statues of football players in central Mexico City.

Although Sheinbaum has kept up a dialogue with the teachers, the union considers the government's proposals inadequate.

Hundreds of people from the Ayotzinapa teachers college have joined the protests, calling for more action to investigate the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from the rural school.

Mexico City police reported finding 59 homemade explosive devices on one of the bus convoys arriving in the capital on Monday, sharing a photo of numerous small white pipes with fuses on X.

Tourists 'spooked'

The teachers' extensive tent encampments have overwhelmed the city centre, prompting businesses to complain that tourists will avoid the area during the World Cup.

"Our restaurant's entrance is blocked, customers are not coming, and tourists are panicking," said 31-year-old waiter Jonathan Herrera, who was protesting against the encampment, according to AFP.

Approximately 50 people were waiting to pass through one of the metal barriers under police supervision, where a restaurant had put up a poster saying "we're still open."

Heather Lutz, a 64-year-old tourist from the United States, voiced her support for the protesters.

"No government likes their city to appear authentic during major events such as the World Cup," she said.

Dinora Diaz, a 42-year-old teacher, told AFP from the street encampment that the tournament is the perfect time to "build pressure" to obtain concessions from the government.

Negotiations

On Monday, Sheinbaum's government outlined its proposals to the teachers' union, suggesting the creation of a new state-owned company to manage pensions.

However, the government ruled out reversing pension legislation, claiming it would cost approximately $400 million.

The teachers have refused the government's proposals, while the Secretary of Governance, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, urged the strikers to remove the blockades.

"It is essential that the legitimate exercise of the right to protest can coexist with the rights of those who live in and travel through this great city," the official stated.