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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Oscar Lopez in Mexico City

‘The ball won’t roll’: Mexico’s striking teachers threaten to disrupt World Cup days before kick-off

The fallen statue of a soccer player for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that was vandalised by teachers from Mexico's National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE).
Likeness of a soccer player for the 2026 Fifa World Cup that was vandalised by teachers from Mexico's National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) as they strike over pay and pensions. Photograph: Henry Romero/Reuters

Striking teachers wreaked havoc on Tuesday in downtown Mexico City, a few days before the city hosts the first match of the World Cup, with protesters pulling down giant mannequins of football players, ripping off their clothes and setting them on fire on the city’s main Paseo de la Reforma.

They also set soccer balls alight and blocked main roads across the capital.

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