Teachers in Mexico Bring Down Football Statues Ahead of World Cup

A passer-by walks past a giant sculpture called "Gigantes del Futbol" (Giants of football), which was brought down during a protest by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE). They are calling for a general strike and protests around stadiums hosting World Cup matches. This protest took place in Mexico City on June 2, 2026, ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

Protesting teachers knocked over large statues of football players on Mexico City’s main promenade on Tuesday. They threatened more protests before the World Cup if the government does not meet their demands.

The CNTE, a dissident part of the national teachers’ union, organized the protest. They are also planning mass demonstrations at the World Cup opening on June 11.

The five-meter-high plastic statues of football players from various countries are on the city’s Paseo de la Reforma avenue, which is lined with tall buildings. The protesters used ropes to bring down three statues, stripped their uniforms, and burned them.

“Long live the CNTE,” was written in red graffiti on a nude mannequin. Another message said, “If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll.”

Police broke up another CNTE march on Monday using tear gas and sound grenades. This happened close to the famous Zocalo plaza, where the World Cup “Fan fest” will take place. On Tuesday, police were still blocking the plaza with metal barricades.

Teachers stand near a barricade blocking access to the Zocalo as blue smoke from a fire extinguisher used by police rises from the other side during a demonstration ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Mexico City on June 1, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)

The CNTE is demanding a 100 percent salary increase and is against pension reforms. They have rejected a nine percent raise that the government agreed to with the official union leadership.

Tuesday’s protest caused road closures and worsened the already heavy traffic in the capital. While protesters took down statues of Belgium, France, and Spain, the mannequin dressed in the Mexican kit remained standing.

Police did not take action.

“If (Sheinbaum) calls knocking down statues a crime, what would she call taking away our rights? We need to be stronger,” said Juan Pablo de la Cruz, a 44-year-old teacher among the protesters.

President Claudia Sheinbaum described the protest as peaceful on Tuesday. A government statement called for talks to resume.

Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada.

AFP