Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said she is confident the World Cup opening ceremony will take place peacefully this week, despite ongoing concerns linked to protests.

A teachers’ union has threatened to stage demonstrations during Thursday’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa in the capital if the government fails to address demands for pay increases and pension reforms.

“We are going to guarantee… that the celebration of the World Cup is well-executed, in peace and tranquility,” Sheinbaum said during her daily press briefing.

Last week, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters near the historic Zócalo square, where authorities have installed a large screen for a World Cup fan zone.

The surrounding streets remain closed with metal barricades, which Sheinbaum says are intended to prevent “provocations.”

Protesting teachers have also toppled commemorative statues of football players in downtown Mexico City in recent days, adding to tensions surrounding the demonstrations.

Although President Claudia Sheinbaum has continued to hold talks with the teachers’ union, the group has rejected the government’s proposals, saying they do not go far enough.

The protests have also been joined by hundreds of people from the Ayotzinapa teachers’ college, who are calling for renewed efforts to investigate the disappearance of 43 students from the rural school in 2014.

Mexico City police said they discovered 59 homemade explosive devices on one of the bus convoys entering the capital on Monday, sharing images on X showing small white pipe-like objects fitted with fuses.

‘Tourists freaked out’

The widespread tent camps set up by the teachers have taken over parts of the city centre, prompting concern from local businesses that visitors may stay away during the World Cup.

“The access to our restaurant is closed off, the people aren’t coming, the tourists are freaked out,” said 31-year-old waiter Jonathan Herrera, who has been protesting against the encampment.

Around 50 people were seen waiting to pass through metal barricades under police supervision, while one nearby restaurant displayed a sign reading: “we’re still open.”

US tourist Heather Lutz, 64, said she supported the protesters, arguing that governments often try to present a polished image during major events like the World Cup.

“No government likes their city to look real,” she said.

Teacher Dinora Diaz, 42, told AFP from the encampment that the tournament offers an opportunity to “generate pressure” on the government to make concessions.

Negotiations

The government of Sheinbaum said on Monday it had presented new proposals to the teachers’ union, including plans for a state-owned entity to manage pensions.

However, officials ruled out reversing pension laws, saying it would cost around $400 million.

The teachers have rejected the proposals, while Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez urged an end to the blockades.

She said it is “fundamental that the legitimate exercise of the right to protest can coexist with the rights of those who live in and move through this great city.”