Hundreds of police were deployed to Mexico City's International Airport ahead of the World Cup opening, as authorities stepped up security measures amid the threat of teacher protests on the evening of the football tournament's kick-off.
Officers equipped with helmets, shields and batons were stationed inside and outside the Benito Juárez airport terminal on Wednesday, according to videos carried by local media. The airport warned that access would be restricted to passengers with boarding passes and essential companions, urging travellers to arrive early due to possible demonstrations in the area.
Security was also tightened around the Azteca Stadium, where Mexico will face South Africa in the first match of the tournament on Thursday following the opening ceremony.
Uncertainty also remains over a planned fan festival in Mexico City's central Zócalo square, where a radical teachers' union has maintained a protest camp. The group has staged roadblocks and demonstrations across the capital, demanding the repeal of a 2007 pension law, which the government says is not feasible.
Officials are still weighing whether the Zócalo, where up to 80,000 visitors are expected to gather, will be available for World Cup celebrations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had also planned to watch the opening ceremony there rather than at the stadium.
"If the Zócalo is not available for the opening ceremony for any reason, there are 18 venues where the event can be watched free of charge," Sheinbaum said.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said authorities would later clarify how the fan festival would proceed.
Mexico is hosting a football World Cup for the third time, with the tournament this time being held jointly with the United States and Canada. Mexico City will stage five matches, while Monterrey and Guadalajara will each host four games.
