Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised that Thursday’s FIFA World Cup opening ceremony will take place in peace and tranquility, despite threats of major disruptions from protesting teachers.

A teachers’ union has threatened to hold demonstrations at the opening match between Mexico and South Africa (SA) if their demands for salary increases and pension reforms are not met by the government.

Tensions have already escalated in downtown Mexico City. Earlier this month, police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside the historic Zócalo square, where a massive World Cup fan zone has been set up.

In response to the unrest, authorities have closed off surrounding streets with heavy barricades. Sheinbaum described the roadblocks as necessary measures to guard against provocations. The security buildup follows an incident last week where protesters toppled commemorative statues of football players in the city center.

–ChannelAfrica–