World Cup opening ceremony under threat as 10,000 security personnel drafted in

World Cup opening ceremony under threat as 10,000 security personnel drafted in Protesters are planning to hijack the World Cup opening ceremony More than 10,000 security staff have been called in amid fears that mass demonstrations could threaten the opening ceremony of the World Cup. The 2026 tournament begins on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at Mexico City's Banorte Stadium, formerly known as Azteca. That will follow a lavish ceremony to officially launch the 48-team tournament, which will also be held across the United States and Canada. The day will also see widespread protests by various groups seeking publicity for their causes. Teachers, farmers, transport workers and families of missing people will be part of at least six groups of demonstrators that are aiming to bring the Mexican capital to a standstill. Under slogans such as "If there's no solution, the ball won't roll," the protesters want to bring their demands to the attention of an international audience and the thousands of tourists who will be in the country during the tournament. From early on Thursday, the groups plan to march and bike down key routes in the city before converging on the stadium at 1pm local time (6pm BST), when the opening ceremony is due to commence. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! Families of missing people are planning to form human chains near the stadium and request a minute of silence for the missing people in the country. Teachers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union will attempt to block access to the FIFA Fan Fest and hold marches near major transport hubs. In parallel with the blockades near the stadium, which is in the south of the city, a contingent of more than 100,000 teachers from the CNTE will maintain pressure in the city centre. Fearful of disruption, organisers have planned alternative routes to ensure the teams' safe and timely passage to the 87,000-capacity arena. As part of a huge security operation, the Mexico City Government will deploy more than 10,000 security personnel around the stadium and the nearby hotel district, it has been reported. Authorities have said that while they respect the right to free expression, a total blockade or sabotage of the opening event will not be allowed. Some of the protesters are demanding the scrapping of a government administrative body known as the USICAMM and the repeal of a law that has adversely affected state employees' pensions. Marches by the CNTE union have already taken place this week. Marcelino Rodarte, the Secretary General of Section 58 of the union, said: "On June 11, the ball won't roll if there is no response for the organised teachers, for these people who, from the presidency, are now creating a huge distance, preferring to side with the powerful and wealthy rather than with the people. They cater to the bankers and business owners, but they don't listen to the people." Mexico will host 13 matches at the World Cup, with Guadalajara and Monterrey also staging games. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.