Mexico City, June 10 – The Mexico City Search Commission (Comisión de Búsqueda de la CDMX) announced today that it will accompany groups of searching mothers to ensure the safe and free visibility of their cases during the opening ceremony of the World Cup 2026, scheduled for Thursday, June 11. This initiative aims to provide a platform for families seeking their missing loved ones.
Government Support for Searching Mothers
According to a statement released by the Commission, the presence of authorities is intended to guarantee conditions for the collectives to present their cases during the high-profile event. The Commission emphasized its “unwavering commitment” to continue the search for disappeared persons “by all means,” while respecting the dignity of the families and supporting their demand for justice.
The organism noted that it had previously provided similar support during the inauguration of the Estadio Ciudad de México on March 28, where it also assisted families in raising awareness about their cases. The Commission stated that ongoing search operations and immediate responses to new reports are proceeding as normal.
Controversy Over Removed Search Flyers
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the Mexico City government to clarify the removal of search flyers placed by collectives around the Estadio Ciudad de México ahead of the World Cup 2026. This came after allegations that stadium personnel had taken down the flyers.
During her “La Mañanera” conference on Tuesday, June 9, Sheinbaum stated that the capital’s administration, led by Clara Brugada, must provide an explanation. “Well, the city government has to answer that, but they can approach us. And also, what we have been doing needs to be known, because it’s not that we say the problem doesn’t exist. It exists, and we are addressing it,” Sheinbaum declared.
In a joint statement issued on May 9, the collectives denounced that security and operations personnel at the Estadio Ciudad de México removed the flyers. They argued that this action prioritized the image of the venue over the search for and memory of their family members.
“Our photo flyers were not political propaganda, they were not commercial advertisements, they were not vandalism. They were faces. They were names. They were disappeared sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and parents,” the collectives stated.
International Press Highlights Teacher Protests
The international press has also drawn attention to a teachers’ protest occupying the main access to the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square, days before the World Cup’s start. Rob Harris, a Sky News correspondent, reported barricades and hundreds of tents set up for over a week along 600 meters of the plaza’s entrance, despite a screen for the tournament remaining in place.
Harris told Sky News that the main World Cup fan zone in the capital is virtually taken over by the encampment. The British media outlet’s report suggested that the festive atmosphere planned for this historical center is overshadowed by the protest.
According to Sky News, the demonstrators are primarily primary school teachers protesting their salary and pension conditions. One teacher told the British media that President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo had allegedly failed to fulfill commitments made to the union. The teachers also expressed feelings of exhaustion and exploitation, stating that the World Cup caters to business classes, and they lack the economic access to such an event.
