Mexico Reconsiders Early School Closure for 2026 World Cup After Public Criticism -

The Mexican government says it will review its controversial decision to end the school year early ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following strong opposition from parents, education groups, and state authorities.

Education Secretary Mario Delgado had announced that schools would close on June 5 about 40 days earlier than scheduled citing preparations for the World Cup and rising temperatures caused by a heat wave.

Under the original academic calendar, the school year was expected to end on July 15 before students resumed in late August.
However, the proposal immediately sparked criticism across the country, with many arguing that shortening the school term would negatively affect learning for millions of students.

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President Claudia Sheinbaum said government officials would meet with parents and education stakeholders to reconsider the plan and explore alternatives.

According to Sheinbaum, authorities are considering maintaining the traditional six-week holiday period while adjusting schedules differently across regions if necessary.

She stressed that the final decision would be based on consultation and consensus.
Some local governments have already rejected the proposal.

Officials in Jalisco State announced that schools would only suspend classes on the specific days World Cup matches are played in Guadalajara, while authorities in Nuevo Leon State said schools in Monterrey would continue with the original academic calendar despite hosting tournament matches.

Education policy group Mexico Evalua also criticised the proposal, warning that reducing classroom time would worsen learning gaps for over 23 million students nationwide.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, United States, and Canada, is scheduled to begin on June 11, with Mexico opening the tournament against South Africa in Mexico City.

Sheinbaum also assured citizens that security measures and key infrastructure projects including upgrades to the Estadio Azteca and the Mexico City International Airport would be completed before the tournament begins.