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The Mexican Education Ministry’s announcement to bring up the end of the school year sparked widespread controversy before President Claudia Sheinbaum partially retracted the decision, describing it as “only a suggestion.”
A controversial decision
Education Minister Mario Delgado announced Friday that classes will end on June 5 instead of June 30, earlier than usual, citing the 2026 World Cup and the expected heat wave in several states.
“We will finish school on June 5 because of the high temperature and the World Cup,” Delgado said, noting that the new academic year will begin on August 31.
Presidential retreat
But President Sheinbaum was quick to clarify, saying: “There is no specific timetable yet… It is important that children do not miss their classes,” stressing that the matter was merely a “suggestion” in response to a request from local education authorities.
Warnings about educational implications
The México Evalúa research center warned that the decision would affect more than 23.4 million students, reducing study time in a country already suffering from educational delays and large social inequalities.
Local rejection and widespread objections
The state of Jalisco, which includes the Games’ host city of Guadalajara, announced its refusal to comply with the decision, confirming that the June 30 deadline for studies would be maintained, with only a temporary pause during the four days of the Games.
Parents’ unions also objected to extending the summer holiday by 3 months without consulting them, warning of the difficulty of providing childcare during this long period.
The employers’ organization (Coparmex) described the decision as “improvised”, considering that it creates an uncertain situation regarding the organization of work and production.
World Cup 2026
Mexico will host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City as part of a joint organization with the United States and Canada, an event that requires massive security and logistical preparations to host thousands of fans.
