Government Cancels Plan to Shorten School Year Ahead of World Cup After Backlash
The government of Mexico has cancelled a controversial proposal to shorten the school year ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after widespread opposition from parents, educators, and state authorities.
Education officials had earlier proposed ending the academic year about 40 days early—moving the closure from mid-July to early June—to ease congestion and support preparations for the tournament. The plan also cited extreme heat conditions in parts of the country.
However, following a series of consultations and public backlash, authorities reversed the decision and confirmed that the academic calendar will remain unchanged.
The Mexico Secretariat of Public Education announced that the school year will now end as originally scheduled in July, ensuring students complete the full curriculum without disruption.
The initial proposal had sparked national debate, with critics arguing that reducing instructional time for millions of students would negatively impact learning outcomes, especially in public schools.
Mexico is one of three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, with matches expected to draw large crowds and increase pressure on transport and city infrastructure.
Education authorities say the decision to maintain the standard calendar restores stability for families and schools while avoiding disruption ahead of the global sporting event.
