A passer-by walks past a giant sculpture from the urban exhibition "Gigantes del Futbol" (Giants of football). This sculpture was pulled down during a protest by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE). The CNTE is calling for a general strike and protests around stadiums hosting World Cup matches ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. This happened in Mexico City on June 2, 2026. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)
Protesting teachers brought down statues of football players on Mexico City’s main promenade on Tuesday. They threatened to increase protests before the World Cup if the government does not meet their demands.
The CNTE, a dissident group in the national teachers’ union, organized the protest. They are also threatening mass demonstrations at the World Cup opening on June 11.
The statues, five meters high and made of plastic, feature football players from around the world. They are located on Paseo de la Reforma avenue, which has many trees and skyscrapers.
The protesters used ropes to pull down three statues. They stripped the uniforms off and set them on fire. “Long live the CNTE,” was written in red graffiti on a nude mannequin. “If there isn’t a solution, the ball won’t roll,” another message said.
On Monday, police used tear gas and sound grenades to break up another CNTE march near the famous Zocalo plaza. This plaza will host the “Fan fest” for the World Cup. On Tuesday, police continued to block 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 dissident group is demanding a 100 percent salary increase. They are also against pension reforms. They rejected a nine percent raise that the government agreed upon with the official union leadership.
The protest on Tuesday caused road closures and worsened the already heavy traffic in the capital. Although protesters brought down statues representing Belgium, France, and Spain, the mannequin dressed in the Mexican kit remained standing.
Police did not take any action during the protest. “If (Sheinbaum) calls toppling some statues a crime, what would she call taking away our rights? We need to be more firm,” said Juan Pablo de la Cruz, a 44-year-old teacher among the protesters.
President Claudia Sheinbaum described the protest as peaceful. A government statement called for talks to resume.
Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada.
AFP
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