Mexican police tear-gas protesters in angry clash at World Cup fanzone site

Sian JonesTue, June 2, 2026 at 9:12 AM UTC

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Mexico City police hurled tear gas at protesting teachers at Zocalo square which will host a Fan Fest for the World Cup -Credit:2026 ObturadorMX (2026 ObturadorMX)

Mexico City police fired tear gas at protesting teachers in an effort to prevent them from reaching the historic central square, where construction is underway for the 2026 World Cup's planned Fan Fest area.

The confrontation began when teachers protesting for higher wages and improved benefits breached one of the metal barricades guarding access to Mexico City's Zocalo plaza. The square, located just steps from the government palace, is being prepared as a World Cup Fan Fest venue, complete with a giant screen set to broadcast Mexico's opening match of the tournament on June 11.

The protest was organized by members of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) which has warned it could mobilize "millions" of educators to Mexico City during the World Cup if the government fails to meet its demands. Meanwhile, Kash Patel has issued a serious World Cup warning as FBI cracks down on 'hoax threats'.

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The group is pushing for higher salaries, improved benefits, and the repeal of pension reforms it says have unfairly harmed teachers. "This event will have to be suspended," union leader Filiberto Frausto told AFP. "A cause like ours should be far above -- it's far more important than a little bit of distraction and fun."

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"We will win this struggle, whatever it costs!" protesters chanted. "It will fall, it will fall...that wall is going to fall."

A teacher leader confirmed that at least two people were injured during the confrontation, including one with an eye injury, while AFP reporters witnessed a protester being carried away with a serious head wound.

Protesters hold a banner that reads 'Boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup!' during a protest at Zocalo -Credit:2026 ObturadorMX

In response to police firing tear gas, some protesters threw firecrackers toward security forces. Masked demonstrators also struck metal barricades with metal tubes, while others smashed the windows of a police tow truck and a nearby government building.

A 20-year-old student, Paola Olivares, was near the square when the clashes broke out and was forced to flee the area to seek safety. “Mexico is definitely not ready for the World Cup,” she said

Rising above the cobblestoned Zocalo square is a large public screen that will broadcast World Cup matches to fans during the tournament. In previous years, the CNTE teachers’ union has staged prolonged encampments in the plaza to pressure the government into addressing its demands.

Protesters attack a crane belonging to the Secretariat of Citizen Security during a protest at Zocalo -Credit:2026 ObturadorMX

However, with preparations for the World Cup well underway, the area has been heavily secured for weeks, and police have blocked teachers from accessing the square over the past week. Francisco Garcia, a teacher from Guerrero who joined the protest, said the Zocalo has effectively been “totally privatized” for the event’s Fan Fest.

Mexico is expected to welcome around five million tourists during the World Cup, which it will co-host with the United States and Canada.

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Source: “AOL Sports”