While Mexico City was in the grip of World Cup fever on Thursday morning, security forces were busy working to contain protests and demonstrations near the stadium and elsewhere.
The inaugural match featuring El Tri was set to begin at 1 p.m. but would be preceded by a two-hour concert featuring Maná, Lila Downs, Shakira and Burna Boy. City and federal officials have been on high alert for any contingency that may occur in the vicinity of the stadium.
Capital police had set up checkpoints and traffic control measures near the venue earlier in the week and city officials issued advisories for motorists and commuters, offering alternate routes around the chaos expected in southern Mexico City as 80,000 fans descended on Estadio Azteca (re-dubbed Mexico City Stadium for the duration of the World Cup).
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) authorities on Thursday warned travelers to get to the terminal early for departing flights as striking teachers had been demonstrating on highways nearby and blocking two Metro stations in the vicinity. Access to the airport grounds was being heavily restricted — only travelers with valid boarding passes and employees were being permitted to enter.
The teachers — members of the dissident CNTE union — have announced plans to disrupt major events on Thursday, including the opening match. Throughout the week, they have blockaded major highways and downtown intersections and federal government buildings, while negotiations aimed at halting the strike have stalled
On Wednesday night, security forces prevented a march staged by search collectives seeking to publicize the plight of mothers looking for members of their families that have disappeared from reaching the stadium. The protesters — calling Mexico the World Champion of Disappearances — began another march toward the stadium early Thursday.
Around 200 officers with riot gear were stationed on the side lanes of the Periférico Ring Road south of the stadium on Thursday and detours and checkpoints were heavily manned on Tlalpan Avenue both north and south of Estadio Azteca. Only local residents with valid registration papers and ticket holders were being allowed to pass.
In the city center where dozens of teachers’ encampments have shut down vehicular traffic and commerce since June 1, organizers decided to open the FIFA Fan Fest in the Zócalo after having expressed uncertainty about the feasibility of encouraging fans to come downtown. Hundreds of capital riot police have been manning barricades and limiting access since the teachers arrived 11 days ago.
Although President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday said everything was under control, even guaranteeing fan safety, she did suggest that the opening of the Fan Fest was in doubt.
City authorities finally gave the go-ahead late Wdnesday and fans of the national team demonstrated that they would not be dissuaded from ensuring that the World Cup would be a national celebration.
Hundreds descended on the Historic Center before dawn, lining up at the barricades as early as 3 a.m. Media reports indicated that there were nearly 15,000 fans in line a full two hours before the doors opened at 9:30 a.m.
With reports from The New York Times, Reuters, La Prensa, El Financiero, La Jornada and The Guardian
