Mexican protesters transform highway into a football pitch to criticize World Cup ‘dispossession’
Protesters turned a major highway in Mexico City into a makeshift football pitch on Saturday, engaging in spontaneous matches to criticize the World Cup preparations that they believe are overshadowing the urgent needs of the capital.
The event took place on the white-painted asphalt of a bustling ring road, where demonstrators donned Mexico jerseys alongside the club colors of Pumas, Chivas, and the Italian team Juventus as an organizer delivered match commentary through a loudspeaker.
The protest aimed to condemn what the organizers referred to as the “World Cup of Dispossession” and to highlight the shortages of housing, water, transport, and electricity.
Reuters has reached out to the Mexico City government for a response.
The event occurred just hours prior to Mexico’s scheduled match against Portugal in a World Cup warm-up, prompting authorities to mobilize over 4,000 emergency services personnel to guarantee safety.
Protesters engaged in a friendly match, or “cascarita,” in the central lane of the highway, resulting in a significant traffic jam that alleviated when they shifted to the outer lane for a second game.
In an intriguing political development, the second match showcased a football adorned with the face of U.S. President Donald Trump, the meaning of which was not instantly apparent. Other indications of political sentiment included the presence of Ukraine flags and the chanting of “Free Palestine.”
“The connection that this sport fosters among individuals—when a ball is present, everyone joins in, setting aside their differences to relish the game and the moment,” Roman, a protester who provided only his first name, shared with Reuters. “Football represents community; it transcends monetary concerns,” Roman remarked, noting that there are more urgent issues while the authorities concentrate on the tournament. We seek recognition. We seek reliable transportation. We desire water. We desire electricity. We desire to return home. We desire illumination in the streets.
The players, surrounded by police, stayed concentrated on securing victory in the match while also conveying their political messages. As the ball rolled into the road, they stopped and waited for it to come back, while a few passing drivers honked in encouragement.
Banners displayed during the protest featured one stating “Global event, local eviction,” highlighting participants’ assertions that World Cup-related development was driving displacement throughout the capital. “It is contradictory, especially since I am a big fan of football.” I keep up with football, but that doesn’t imply my endorsement of the sport.
Mexico will share the honor of co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada. The tournament is set to occur from 11 June to 19 July, featuring matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
