Amid popular discontent… Mexico backs away from controversial move ahead of World Cup

Mexico’s government has formally announced its withdrawal from its controversial plan to extend the school summer holiday by 40 days to coincide with the country hosting a series of matches at the 2026 World Cup, after widespread criticism and popular and institutional rejection.

Mexico’s Ministry of Education confirmed in a statement on Monday, according to Agence France-Presse, that the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 season will remain unchanged, explaining that the end of the school year will remain on July 15, as planned, instead of the previously proposed June 5.

A controversial project

The proposal presented by Education Minister Mario Delgado was based on two main factors: the expected increase in temperatures in several Mexican states during the summer and the logistical preparations related to the organization of the 2026 World Cup.

However, the idea faced widespread opposition from local authorities and parents’ associations, who warned of the economic and social consequences of such a decision, particularly in relation to the costs associated with childcare during long holiday periods.

Local rejection and popular pressure

The states of Jalisco and Nuevo León, which include the World Cup host cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey, announced their strong rejection of the change to the academic calendar, calling the decision “unfounded” and “lacking a clear educational vision.”

Teachers’ unions and parents of pupils have also expressed their displeasure at the lack of prior consultation on the proposal.

Presidential intervention and final decision

Amid the controversy, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum tried to calm the situation, stressing in previous statements that the project was “a proposal still under study.”

But at a national meeting of education authorities on Monday, it was officially decided to scrap the plan and keep the original school calendar.

Preparation for the World Cup

Mexico, which is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada, is set to host 13 matches, including the opening match in Mexico City on June 11. The tournament is expected to attract millions of visitors, making it one of the biggest sporting events in the country’s history.