Mexico cancels plans to end school year early for World Cup
The Mexico government has withdrawn plans to end the academic year more than a month early, a proposal initially intended to reduce traffic congestion during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and an expected heatwave.
Mexico is set to co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.
The decision to reverse the proposal followed strong backlash from parents, who argued that shortening the school calendar would negatively affect students’ education. Many families also complained that the sudden change had created difficulties in arranging childcare for the additional weeks students would have been at home.
Under the revised decision, schools will now close on 15 July instead of the previously proposed date of 5 June.
The controversy began after Education Minister Mario Delgado announced on 7 May that an “extraordinary heatwave, the World Cup and other factors” had prompted plans to end classes early.
However, the proposal sparked criticism from the National Union of Parents, which described using the World Cup as justification for cancelling classes as “inexcusable.” President Claudia Sheinbaum later clarified that the early closure was only a proposal and not a final decision.
The idea was eventually abandoned on Monday after the Education Ministry held further discussions with parents and education policy groups.
Meanwhile, President Sheinbaum has assured international visitors attending the World Cup that adequate security measures will be in place across the country.
Security concerns have intensified in recent months following a surge in violence after the reported death of notorious drug cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.
Following his death during a confrontation with security forces, cartel members reportedly carried out violent reprisals, including burning vehicles and spreading fear in several areas.
Sheinbaum has also maintained that renovation works at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and upgrades at the capital’s international airport will be completed ahead of the tournament.
Source: BBC
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