MEXICO CITY (AP) — A celebration was held. rising social tensions In Mexico, the capital is preparing to welcome the world with an opening ceremony. fifa world cup.
Mexico, which jointly hosts the soccer tournament with the United States and Canada, plans to kick off the festivities with an inauguration ceremony and opening game on Thursday, a star-studded event that will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
The World Cup comes at a time when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is walking a political tightrope. Deteriorating relations with the United States In preparation for trade negotiations in July, political scandal and security concerns Following the outbreak of violence in the host city in February.
The pressure continues to mount as guests flood in. mexico cityAnd the government faces a surge of criticism from demonstrators and residents who say authorities are prioritizing competition over the Latin American country’s pressing social needs.
“Mexico wants to project an image to the world that is completely different from reality,” said Carlos Pérez Ricard, a Mexican political analyst at the Mexican Center for Research and Economic Education. “The World Cup has put the president in a vulnerable situation…The government is under extreme pressure.”
World Cup celebrations begin
The FIFA logo, bright orange Mexican marigold flowers, giant soccer balls and other sports decorations line the streets of Mexico’s capital and two other host cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Soccer fans buzzed with excitement as they strolled the streets of Mexico City, wearing team colors and taking photos in front of its most famous monument.
The sporting event is expected to generate $3 billion in revenue for hotels, restaurants and sports venues, according to the Mexican Football Federation.
Thursday’s inauguration and opening game between Mexico and South Africa is expected to draw more attention than any other tournament, with appearances by Colombian superstar Shakira and many others.
Perez Ricard said if everything goes smoothly, it would be a pop in Sheinbaum’s hat and show the world that Mexico is “capable of organizing modern, high-impact events.”
Protests intensify in Mexico City
Following days of violence, Mexican authorities have stepped up security for months to quell concerns. Paralyzed World Cup host city Guadalajara In February.
More than 100,000 soldiers, sailors, National Guardsmen and police are expected to be deployed to the three cities hosting the games, but the biggest hurdle is simmering social tensions that have been building for weeks, particularly in Mexico City.
Mexican critics say the government has spent too much money and time Accommodating international visitors at the resident’s expense.
The country’s teachers unions have been blocking roads and toppling World Cup statues for more than a week in an annual effort to demand better working conditions. family of More than 130,000 people missing in Mexico They put up flyers about missing loved ones and said authorities should focus their efforts on addressing the humanitarian crisis affecting other parts of Mexico.
“We are not against the ball game,” said protest organizer Luis Antonio Rosales Narváez. But “they should be investing in education, not remodeling cities.”
On Tuesday, Sheinbaum dismissed the criticism and denied there was any social unrest before the Games.
Sheinbaum said at a press conference Tuesday morning that opposition forces “want to give the impression that there is confusion and problems in the midst of an international event that has been in preparation for a long time.”
Police largely prevented large protests from occupying the main square and areas outside the stadium, but it remained unclear what would happen on kick-off day and during matches for the next month.
Excitement and criticism collide
Airports across America were filled with fans who donated money to support the team. Panama City’s airport, one of the main gateways between North and South America, was a sea of colorful jerseys from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Germany and more.
“This year we will defend our title and follow Argentina to the ends of the earth,” exclaimed Emilio Sosa, 29, on his way from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles.
David Botero, a 43-year-old Colombian who had planned a vacation around the World Cup, changed his plans to avoid high prices in Miami and traveled with his family to Mexico City to watch Colombia’s opening game against Uzbekistan on June 17.
“The important thing is that you get to see the team up close,” Botello said.
Others, like 66-year-old Dr. Jose Luis Muñoz, spoke in a more skeptical tone as he read a book and smoked a cigarette next to a downtown Mexico City park that was once crowded with street vendors.
Muñoz said her fondest memory was taking her children, ages 8, 12 and 14, to the game during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and celebrating the home team’s winning streak.
“I was so excited and I passed that joy on to my kids,” he said.
But this year, he won’t be able to attend the games because tickets cost hundreds of dollars.
“Prices are very high. Many people will not be able to go unless they are foreigners with a lot of money,” Muñoz said. “I feel it’s very discriminatory.”
However, he added that he will be cheering on the Mexican national team from home with his children and grandchildren.
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Associated Press journalists Nayara Batuque and Maria Berza contributed to this report from Mexico City.
