World Cup 2026: Mexico City hosts opening match but protests overshadow excitement

And this spotlight has spread to other protests as well.

Along Paseo de la Reforma, near the headquarters of the country’s two national newspapers, hundreds of striking teachers gathered under buildings.

They were protesting against their pay, pensions and working conditions, with many traveling for hours to be there. Local residents said other public sector workers have joined their solidarity.

A deliberate effort to get their message across beyond Mexico continued, with some protesters translating their chants into English so tourists could understand what they were fighting for.

They said, we don’t want the World Cup. “We just want better pay.”

“The World Cup is not made for local people,” one protester announced through a megaphone. “It’s made for wealthy businessmen who can afford tickets.”

Among many residents, attending a World Cup match is seen as unrealistic. The suggestion of having a game ticket is often met with laughter.

“Tickets are too expensive. We can never afford them,” is a commonly expressed sentiment.

Instead, many fans said they planned to visit local bars and fan zones to watch the matches and soak up the atmosphere.

So, as kick-off approaches, Mexico City is presenting itself to the world as a vibrant and welcoming city basking in the excitement of hosting soccer’s biggest exhibition for the third time in its history, the only city to do so.

But even among the flags, fan zones and celebrations, there are voices that won’t let the moment go unheard.

Families searching for missing loved ones, teachers demanding fair pay, and ordinary residents questioning who really benefited from the tournament.

The world’s attention will be fixed on Mexico for the next few weeks. But the question for many protesters is whether, once the final whistle blows, anyone will still be listening.