Mexico’s World Cup opener overshadowed by protests, unfinished works, security woes and epidemic concerns | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Mexico reaches Thursday’s World Cup opener at the Azteca, Mexico v South Africa at 21:00, amid protests, security problems, health concerns and last-minute works that have exposed planning failures and dented authorities’ popularity.

Though Mexico hosts fewer than 15 of more than 100 matches, CNTE has mounted demonstrations, blockades and vandalism to demand better pay and pensions. Feminist groups have blocked roads, and families of the disappeared have protested outside friendlies.

In Zapopan, near Guadalajara, searcher collectives found a mass grave with dozens of bodies weeks before kick-off, beside car park expansion works. The city will stage six teams, including Spain, who face Uruguay in the early hours of 27 June.

Federal stumbles included a shortened school year that the President then reversed after outrage, and thin prevention for diseases such as measles and Ebola. Host cities hurried fan zones as ticket prices soared, with 18 activated in Mexico City, disrupting daily life.

On Mexico City Metro Line 2, which links tourist districts to the train for the Azteca, trains still skip five stations and crews race to finish. Many stops lacked proper name signs days before the opener.

In Mexico City, Clara Brugada’s approval has fallen 20 points amid botched road markings, airport floods and a collapsed roof injuring a woman. In Monterrey, the airport metro link will not be ready, so free buses will run, while Japan’s squad complained about training pitches.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo