Social tensions erupted outside Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday as violent confrontations between protesters and police marred the World Cup’s kickoff.
Demonstrators shattered car windows and engaged in skirmishes with law enforcement just as Mexico scored the tournament’s opening goal, according to a report by France24.
This unrest comes on the heels of weeks of protests that have already put plans for World Cup fan events at the Zócalo, the city’s central square, at risk.
While teachers have been at the forefront of the movement for better working conditions, other recent protestors have criticized the government for seemingly prioritizing international visitors over addressing the needs of local citizens.
This turmoil places President Claudia Sheinbaum in a challenging position, as she must navigate a domestic security crisis while preparing for crucial trade talks with the United States in July.
“Mexico wants to project an image to the world that doesn’t exactly square with reality,” said Carlos Pérez Ricart, a political analyst at the Mexican Center for Research and Economic Education.
“The World Cup is putting the president in a vulnerable situation … The government is under extreme pressure.”
Wednesday night, over 1,000 people marched toward Estadio Azteca carrying candles and photographs of their missing loved ones and the teachers’ union blocked roads.
Sheinbaum denies that the World Cup is spurring unrest.
The president said before the tournament that “if for some reason the Zócalo cannot be used for the opening, there are 18 venues where people can watch it free of charge.”
“Everything is under control,” she added.
Local officials told demonstrators that they could only advance until the “last mile” outside of the stadium.
“We just want to be seen,” said Adriana Lozano, 56, from Los Cabos, who has searched for her missing son for nine years.
“What we are looking for is peace,” she continued.
“We want this to end because so many young people are disappearing.”
Expensive ticket prices have made attendance at the World Cup unaffordable for many Mexicans, like Dr. Jose Luis Muñoz, who remains excited for the game, but will support the Mexican national team from his living room instead of the stadium.
“The prices are sky-high,” Muñoz said.
“Many people aren’t going to be able to go unless they’re foreigners with a lot of money.”
“It feels very discriminatory.”
With Post wires