Mexican parents fume as school year ends a month early for World Cup
Mexico's federal government has confirmed that the school year will end on June 5, a month earlier than usual, to accommodate the country's hosting of the 2026 World Cup. The plan has triggered widespread anger among parents and teaching unions.
Mexico's federal government has decided to end the school year on June 5, a month earlier than usual, to accommodate the country's role as a co-host of the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada. The Ministry of Education said the change is needed to reduce traffic and security pressures.
Millions of parents reacted angrily, arguing the early break will cause childcare problems for working families. Teachers' unions warn that compressing the curriculum into the remaining weeks will deepen learning losses left over from the pandemic and demand fresh negotiations with federal authorities.
Critics say the decision falls hardest on low-income households. A significant share of public-school students rely on school meals during the day, and the calendar change will cut off that support a month earlier. The government said extra summer programmes will be launched to limit the impact.
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