A decision linked to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has triggered widespread debate in Mexico after the country’s education authorities proposed significantly shortening the academic year.
The controversy emerged following an announcement by Education Minister Mario Delgado that students could begin their summer holidays more than a month earlier than originally planned.
The proposal would reduce the school year to around 40 days during the coming period, allowing students more time to experience the atmosphere surrounding the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged between 11 June and 19 July.
Mexico is set to co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada.
According to the Ministry of Education, the decision was influenced not only by the upcoming World Cup but also by the intense heatwave currently affecting large parts of the country.
The proposal immediately generated criticism from parents’ organisations and prompted a cautious response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Speaking during a press conference, Sheinbaum acknowledged the public enthusiasm surrounding football while also stressing the importance of maintaining educational standards.
She said: “Many Mexicans love football, and we are looking forward to the next World Cup, so the proposal to bring forward the holiday date came about, but we also have to take into account the school days for the children.”
The president also indicated that discussions over the academic calendar remain unresolved, adding that “there is no specific timetable yet for the proposed reduction in the academic calendar.”
The issue intensified after Delgado publicly defended the proposal through a statement posted on his official account.
According to the minister, the National Council of Educational Authorities supported the adjustment because of both the severe weather conditions and Mexico’s role as a World Cup host nation.
He stated that “the National Council of Educational Authorities made the adjustment, in response to the heat wave hitting the country, as well as to hosting the World Cup.”
Delgado also attempted to reassure critics about the educational impact of the proposal, saying: “All provisions of the curriculum will be ensured, and the academic progress of all students will be maintained.”
Under the suggested calendar, studies would conclude on 5 June rather than 15 July.
Local reports indicate that the next academic year would begin on 31 August, one day earlier than the 2025 schedule, effectively extending the summer break for students across the country.
The backlash, however, has continued to grow.
The National Federation of Parents’ Associations strongly criticised the proposal in an official statement, arguing that the World Cup should not influence national education policy.
The federation declared that “using the World Cup as an excuse to shorten the school calendar is completely unacceptable. We cannot sacrifice our children’s education for a sporting event that will take place in only 3 municipalities out of 2,500 in Mexico.”
The statement referred to the host cities of Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, which together are expected to stage 13 matches during the expanded 104-game tournament.
Mexico is currently dealing with extreme temperatures, with some areas reportedly reaching 45 degrees Celsius. However, such conditions are relatively common during this period of the year and often ease in June with the arrival of seasonal rainfall.
The dispute has now placed the government under pressure to balance public enthusiasm for football with concerns over educational continuity, as Mexico prepares to play a major role in hosting one of the largest sporting events in the world.
