Missing persons’ families rally near Azteca Stadium ahead of World Cup kickoff

The protesters, many of whom were relatives of individuals who have disappeared over the years, marched peacefully in the vicinity of the stadium. Families continue to seek

Hours before the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, drawing attention to the country’s long-standing issue of missing persons.

The protesters, many of whom were relatives of individuals who have disappeared over the years, marched peacefully in the vicinity of the stadium. Families continue to seek answers about loved ones they believe were abducted or killed by criminal organizations or state-linked actors.

Authorities established a security zone around the venue in preparation for the tournament’s opening events. While officials permitted peaceful demonstrations, access to the stadium was restricted to spectators holding valid match tickets.

The World Cup was set to begin later in the day with a high-profile opening ceremony, followed by the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa.

Among the demonstrators was Maria de Jesus Soria Aguayo, who has spent the past decade searching for her son after he disappeared in the state of Veracruz. She criticized the government for failing to adequately address the crisis of missing persons, saying many families continue to suffer without receiving justice or answers.

Throughout the protest, participants chanted slogans and displayed symbols of remembrance, including cempasuchil flowers arranged in the shape of a cross. The demonstration remained peaceful, with no reported clashes between protesters and security forces.

The rally comes amid broader public discontent in Mexico, where recent weeks have seen protests from various groups, including teachers demanding improved working conditions and government reforms.