The Mexican government has reversed plans to end the academic year more than a month early, following widespread backlash over a proposal linked to the 2026 Fifa World Cup and an expected heatwave.
Mexico will co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.
Authorities had initially proposed shortening the school calendar to reduce traffic congestion and cope with soaring temperatures during the competition.
However, the move sparked criticism from parents, who argued that it would disrupt learning and create childcare difficulties for families.
Several parents said they had been left scrambling to make arrangements for their children if schools closed weeks earlier than expected.
Following the government’s reversal, schools will now close on 15 July instead of the previously suggested date of 5 June.
The controversy began after Education Minister Mario Delgado announced on 7 May that “an extraordinary heatwave, the World Cup and other factors” had influenced the proposal to cut the school year short.
The National Union of Parents strongly opposed the idea, describing the use of the World Cup as justification for cancelling classes as “inexcusable”.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later clarified that the early closure had merely been “a proposal”.
The plan was officially abandoned on Monday after the education ministry carried out additional consultations with parents and educational organisations.
Meanwhile, Sheinbaum has reassured football supporters travelling to the country that they will experience “conditions of security”.
Security concerns surrounding the tournament have intensified following a recent surge in violence after the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera two months ago.
After his death from injuries suffered during a confrontation with soldiers attempting to arrest him, members of his cartel reportedly set vehicles ablaze and unleashed violence across parts of the country in retaliation.
Sheinbaum has also insisted that renovation works at Estadio Azteca and upgrades to Mexico City’s international airport will be completed before the World Cup begins.
