Protesters clashed with police outside the Estadio Azteca Mexico City during the World Cup
Tensions flared outside the football stadium at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday, as clashes between protesters and police disrupted the opening of the World Cup.
Protesters smashed car windows and clashed with law enforcement when Mexico scored the first goal of the tournament, according to France24.
The unrest follows weeks of protests that have threatened plans to host World Cup fan events in the Zócalo, the city’s center.
Although teachers have led a campaign to improve working conditions for weeks, some recent critics have accused the government of prioritizing international tourists over the urgent needs of local residents.
The disagreement has put President Claudia Sheinbaum in a difficult position, balancing the domestic security crisis with high-level trade talks with the US scheduled for July.
“Mexico wants to present an image to the world that does not exactly correspond to reality,” said Carlos Pérez Ricart, a political analyst at the Mexican Center for Economic Research and Education.
“The World Cup puts the president in a vulnerable position … The government is under a lot of pressure.”
On Wednesday night, more than 1,000 people marched towards the Estadio Azteca carrying candles and pictures of their lost loved ones while the teachers’ union blocked the streets.
Sheinbaum denies that the World Cup is causing trouble.
The president said before the tournament that “if for some reason the Zócalo cannot be used for the opening, there are 18 places where people can watch it for free.”
“Everything is under control,” he added.
Local officials told protesters they could march until the “last mile” outside the stadium.
“We want to be seen,” said Adriana Lozano, 56, of Los Cabos, who has been searching for her missing son for nine years.
“What we want is peace,” he continued.
“We want this to end because there are many young people who disappear.”
Expensive ticket prices have prevented many Mexicans from attending the World Cup, such as Dr. Jose Luis Muñoz, who still enjoyed the game, but will support the Mexican national team in his living room instead of on the field.
“The prices are too high,” Muñoz said.
“Many people will not be able to go unless they are immigrants with a lot of money.”
“It sounds very racist.”
Via Post wires
