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48 hours to World Cup opening ceremony, protesters block road to Mexican stadium
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Thousands of demonstrators blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the venue.
As football fans flood into tournament co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Central American country is grappling with chaotic teacher protests in its capital.
Thousands of teachers blocked an avenue leading to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, 48 hours before the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup at that venue.
Tuesday’s protest, led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, follows a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a “provocation.”
“As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,’” she told a press conference.
The Azteca stadium will host the World Cup’s first game – pitting Mexico against South Africa – on Thursday, with a vast global TV audience set to tune in for the opening ceremony and the match.
Authorities have deployed thousands of officers and set up concrete barriers surrounding the venue to block protests.
“We intend to reach the stadium,” demonstrator Angel Villalobos told AFP on Tuesday. “The government has given some responses, but they don’t help, they don’t satisfy.”
Sheinbaum said earlier that the opening match was “guaranteed,” though the left-leaning leader again ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations.
Her government has favored dialogue with the protesting teachers, but to no avail.
“We’re going to continue our struggle,” said Austreberto Flores, another protester looking to block Azteca Stadium.
The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week to demand a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law — which the government considers unfeasible.
The teachers have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zocalo square.
On June 1, police dispersed protesters in the area with rubber bullets and teargas.
“They want to make it seem like there is mass social turmoil in Mexico, and that’s not true,” Sheinbaum has said of the protests.
The teachers have called for demonstrations on Thursday that will also include families of so-called “disappeared” people, who are alleged to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs.
The 2026 edition of the world’s biggest football extravaganza is the most logistically complex ever staged.
Mexico is still rushing to complete renovations at subway stations and at its main airport ahead of the tournament.
AFP
Galatasaray have received two €120 million bids for striker, Victor Osimhen.
As the summer window opens, clubs are scrambling for Osimhen’s signature.
The Turkish champions are already believed to have received several big-money approaches from Europe.
A Saudi Arabian club has now entered the race to sign the Super Eagles talisman with a similar offer.
According to Turkish transfer insider, Serhan Türk, Galatasaray now have two different €120m offers on the table to consider; one from a European club and another from Saudi Arabia.
However, he did not disclose the name of the Saudi Pro League club.
Atlético Madrid have already seen a huge offer for Osimhen rejected.
Frank Lampard has signed a new deal with Coventry that is set to keep him with the Premier League side until 2029, it was announced Tuesday.
Lampard was in charge as the Sky Blues to English football’s top-flight for the first time in 25 years by winning last season’s second-tier Championship.
The 48-year-old former England midfielder took over at the Midlands club in November 2024 and helped them to a play-off finish in his first season in charge before losing out to Sunderland in the semi-finals.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract, it’s a real honour to represent this club,” said Lampard, already looking forward to the challenge of Premier League football.
Lampard, previously in charge of Chelsea, Everton and Derby, added: “After the incredible work of everybody to get promoted and win the Championship, it was important to enjoy the moment, and we certainly did as a city.
“Our job then as staff, and for the players of course, is to firstly recharge but also focus on what we want to do and what we need to for next season. There’s a lot of work to do on and off the pitch as a football club, so those things have been ongoing.
“I’m looking forward to getting back with the players, to see them all and get ready for the new season.”
Coventry have a tough start to their Premier League return, with Lampard’s team away to champions Arsenal on August 21.
Cote d’Ivoire legend, Didier Drogba, has slammed the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, after his country was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
The Elephants were beaten 2-1 by Norway in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday night.
Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the first half, before Amad Diallo levelled for the Ivorians.
But Erling Haaland tapped home the winner late in the game, to send Norway through.
After the game, Drogba took to his X page, to question why Nicolas Pepe didn’t get a penalty for a foul in the area.
“Disgraceful that penalty not given for Nicolas Pépé… what is VAR even for?” Drogba wrote.
Norway will now play Brazil in the last 16 of the tournament.
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