Mexico steps up security at World Cup 2026 fan zone amid growing unrest

Mexico is planning to increase the police and security presence around Zocalo plaza in Mexico City to ensure the World Cup Fan Fest can go ahead amid growing social unrest and public protests. Much of the city’s historic centre, including the Catedral Metropolitana and Aztec ruin Templo Mayor, is locked down, but the president Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is adamant that Zocalo will remain open throughout the tournament. Local reports have claimed that a crowd of up to 100,000 is expected at the official Fifa Fan Fest when Mexico kicks off the World Cup against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium next Thursday, raising security concerns in a city that is in the grip of a wide range of protests. Teachers, judges, animal rights activists and families of Mexico’s 130,000 missing people are among the disaffected groups that have staged protests in the co-hosts’captial this week. Teachers from the CNTE union demanding better working conditions brought traffic to a standstill on Friday, while other groups broke into government buildings and staged a football match on a blockaded street. Earlier in the week riot police fired tear gas at a group of demonstrating teachers who had broken through one of the metal barriers blocking off the Zocalo while the Fan Fast arena was being constructed. Police officers stand guard near the Zocalo fan zone, where dissident teachers have set up an encampment to demand higher wages. …