Riot police moved to block demonstrators from accessing areas near the Mexico City stadium on Thursday (June 11) as the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened its inaugural ceremony.

The Mexican government confirmed that 19 social movements had planned protests near the stadium during the week of the World Cup inauguration.

A broad coalition of groups took part in the demonstrations, including social organizations, collectives of families of the disappeared, dissident teachers, peasant organizations and transport workers.

Members of the CNTE teachers' union said they were demanding dialogue with the government over pensions, wages and education-sector reforms, rejecting accusations that the protests sought confrontation.

Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (JUNE 11, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF RIOT POLICE APPROACHING DEMONSTRATORS