Mexico closes schools during World Cup opener to ease traffic

Field Level Media
10 Jun 2026, 09:55 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Christian Torres/For El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mexico City children will get an unexpected day off from school on Thursday, as president Claudia Sheinbaum ordered the suspension of classes in an effort to minimize traffic on the day the Mexican national team plays the World Cup opener against South Africa.

Speaking Tuesday, Sheinbaum also told federal employees to work from home on Thursday, with the exception of essential services and those involved with World Cup matters.

The Mexico-South Africa game will kick off at 1 p.m. local time, the first of 104 World Cup games to be spread across Mexico, Canada and the United States over the next six weeks.

Sheinbaum said the decision regarding Thursday closures was made in an effort toward 'improving conditions for mobility, road safety and accessibility, both for Mexico City inhabitants and visiting tourists, on the occasion of the inauguration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.'

She added, 'The private and social sectors in Mexico City are urged to implement remote working arrangements for all non-essential administrative activities.'

The Mexican national team plays a night game on June 18 against South Korea in Zapopan, Mexico, then concludes play in Group A against the Czech Republic in Mexico City on the night of June 24.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.

More Information

North America

Section

Mexico closes schools during World Cup opener to ease traffic

(Photo credit: Christian Torres/For El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Mexico City children will get an unexpected...

Meta to launch America's workforce academy for guaranteed job placement with USD 115 million first year investment

New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Meta is launching America's Workforce Academy (AWA), a nationwide program designed to fast-track...

War clouds over West Asia as Iran claims targeting F-35 hangars, 21 US air and naval bases in region

Tehran [Iran], June 10 (ANI): Amid a rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary...

Iranian WC players will be able to arrive US the day before matches: DHS

Tijuana [Mexico], June 10 (ANI): Iran's national football team, who are currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be permitted to...

Iran's IRGC drones strike US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain; nation-wide air raid sirens sounded

Tehran [Iran], June 10 (ANI): Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a drone strike...

USWNT use own goal to earn friendly split in Brazil

(Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images) Sophia Wilson was involved again in her team's goal and the visiting United States...

Canada

Section