The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Mexico, one of the three host nations of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament kicked off on Thursday, June 11, in Mexico, with the United States and Canada also co-hosting. The warning comes after protests at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) on June 10, which could affect access to the airport.
Protests at Mexico City Airport
The Foreign Office stated: "On 10 June, there are expected to be protests from a local teachers’ union, which could affect access to the airport. The airport authorities have issued a public notice, advising people of possible disruption and to allow more time for journeys to and from the airport. Monitor local media and stay in touch with your airline or travel agent."
The protest on Tuesday was led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, following a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a "provocation." Sheinbaum told a press conference: "As if to say, 'Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico.'"
World Cup Opening Match
The Azteca stadium hosted the World Cup's first game, pitting Mexico against South Africa, on Thursday. A vast global TV audience tuned in for the opening ceremony and the match. Authorities have deployed thousands of officers and set up concrete barriers surrounding the venue to block protests.
"We intend to reach the stadium," demonstrator Angel Villalobos told AFP on Tuesday. "The government has given some responses, but they don't help, they don't satisfy." Sheinbaum said earlier that the opening match was "guaranteed."
"We're going to continue our struggle," said Austreberto Flores, another protester looking to block Azteca Stadium.
Teachers Union Strike
The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week to demand a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law. "They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that's not true," Sheinbaum said of the protests. The teachers have called for demonstrations on Thursday that will also include families of so-called "disappeared" people, who are alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs.
World Cup Details
The World Cup is staged every four years. The 2026 tournament is the largest ever, with 48 countries competing. Using world rankings, the teams have been drawn into 12 groups of four countries. The top two teams in each group automatically go through to the next phase, known as the round of 32. The opening match was played in Mexico City on June 11, and the final is scheduled in the US state of New Jersey on July 19.
