Protesting teachers topple player statues in Mexico ahead of World Cup

Protesting teachers in Mexico City brought down towering football player statues on Tuesday, warning of escalating demonstrations ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup if the government fails to meet their demands.

The protest was organised by a dissident wing of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE), which is also threatening mass actions during the World Cup opening on June 11.

Three five-metre-high plastic statues of international football stars on the tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma avenue were toppled with ropes, stripped of their kits, and set on fire. Graffiti reading “Long live the CNTE” and “If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll” were scrawled across the figures.

Police had earlier dispersed a CNTE march near Zocalo plaza with tear gas and sound grenades, and barricades were set up ahead of the “Fan Fest” for the tournament. However, authorities did not intervene during the statue-toppling.

The CNTE dissidents are demanding a 100-per cent salary increase and are opposing pension reforms, rejecting a nine per cent raise negotiated with the union’s official leadership.

Tuesday’s demonstration caused major traffic disruptions across the capital. Notably, the mannequin dressed in the Mexican kit remained standing.

“If toppling statues is a crime, what would they call taking away our rights? We need to be more firm,” said 44-year-old teacher Juan Pablo de la Cruz.

President Claudia Sheinbaum described the protest as peaceful, and government officials urged a return to dialogue with the teachers.

Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada.