Multiple protest marches planned at Mexico City stadium on World Cup opening day PHOTO

At least seven protest marches are expected to converge on Mexico City Stadium during the opening match of the FIFA men’s World Cup on June 11, raising security concerns and the prospect of disruption as the tournament begins.

Groups including searchers for missing relatives, teachers from the CNTE teachers’ union, transport workers, farmers, healthcare workers and anti-gentrification activists are among those planning to march from seven locations in southern Mexico City toward the venue, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Mexico City Stadium, also known as Banorte Stadium for sponsorship reasons, will host Mexico’s opening fixture against South Africa following a ceremonial programme.

Authorities have deployed heightened security across the capital, particularly around the Historic Centre and the Zócalo, where the FIFA Fan Festival is being built, amid fears of traffic disruptions and clashes.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has said police will avoid the use of force and that authorities aim to ensure the World Cup opening proceeds peacefully despite planned demonstrations.

Some protesters have framed the marches as a global moment to highlight grievances, including more than 130,000 missing persons nationwide, according to official registry figures.

Amnesty International said women's searcher collectives must be protected and heard, noting they plan to demonstrate peacefully during one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide.

Additional gatherings are expected at the Zócalo FIFA Fan Festival, where families of missing people will hold parallel demonstrations calling for justice and greater state support.

Social media posts cited by local media have urged demonstrators to maintain discipline, film events and avoid provocation, insisting the protests are intended to project a peaceful message to global audiences.

Business owners in the Historic Centre have reported reduced footfall due to security cordons and preparations for the FIFA Fan Festival in the capital’s main square.

The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 13 matches across three Mexican cities during the 39-day tournament.

Officials say emergency services are on standby along protest routes, with authorities monitoring multiple departure points in southern districts ahead of the opening ceremony.

Authorities and organisers remain confident the event will proceed without major disruption despite the scale and coordination of planned demonstrations on June 11 in Mexico.

By Aghakazim Guliyev