Mexico City Considers Remote Work During 2026 World Cup

Businesses and education authorities in Mexico City are evaluating remote work and the suspension of in-person classes during key 2026 World Cup matches to reduce traffic congestion. Games in Mexico City will take place on June 11, 17, 24, and 30 and July 5, 2026. 

Mexico City authorities have requested the suspension of in-person classes and the adoption of remote work on selected days during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The proposal seeks to reduce congestion and pressure on public transportation when matches are held in the capital. The initiative is under review by federal education authorities and private-sector stakeholders.

The measure, announced by Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada, forms part of preparations for the city’s role as a host during the tournament. Officials aim to manage mobility and mitigate disruptions tied to large-scale visitor flows expected during match days.

Mobility Strategy Linked to Match Days

Mexico City’s government has formally asked the Ministry of Public Education to evaluate suspending classes on days when matches will take place in the city. At the same time, authorities requested that business organizations promote remote work arrangements to limit commuting.

“We have requested that the Ministry of Public Education define whether classes should be suspended on those days and that business groups make it possible for their workers to work from home, as was done during the pandemic,” Brugada said during a press conference.

Brugada framed the initiative as a mobility management strategy. Authorities expect increased travel demand near the stadium that will host the matches and in surrounding areas. The proposal seeks to reduce traffic congestion and avoid overcrowding in public transportation systems.

Brugada says the objective is to create “the most favorable conditions” to reduce transit levels while allowing residents to follow the tournament either from home or at public viewing events planned across the city. She adds that the measure would help prevent “greater tensions in traffic or other spaces, such as public transportation.”

The approach mirrors remote work arrangements implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which city officials said helped manage mobility. The administration emphasized that any suspension of activities would be limited to specific dates.

Schedule Drives Operational Planning

The proposal is tied to the dates when Mexico City will host World Cup matches. According to preliminary scheduling, games in the capital are expected on June 11, June 17, June 24, June 30 and July 5, 2026. Most of those dates fall on weekdays and coincide with regular school and office operations.

Authorities previously indicated that the June 11 match, expected to serve as the opening game in Mexico City, could be designated as a holiday. Other matches scheduled midweek are expected to generate additional demand on roadways and transit systems, particularly in areas surrounding the stadium.

Officials note that the academic calendar places the summer break beginning on July 15, meaning most tournament dates occur while schools remain in session. The July 5 match falls on a Sunday and may require fewer adjustments to daily operations.

The government has not specified whether suspensions would apply citywide or in specific zones. The final decision will depend on coordination with the Ministry of Public Education and feedback from business organizations. Authorities said discussions are ongoing to determine feasibility.

Private Sector Participation

In addition to requesting school suspensions, the Mexico City government has asked companies to facilitate remote work during match days. Officials described the measure as voluntary and subject to operational considerations within each organization.

Authorities say that reducing commuting volumes could help maintain mobility across the metropolitan area. The proposal aims to distribute travel demand and prevent bottlenecks in areas expected to experience higher visitor flows.

The administration expects the tournament to attract thousands of visitors, increasing pressure on transportation and services. Residents would also have the option to watch matches from home or attend public football-themed events expected to be organized across the city.

The initiative remains under review by federal education authorities and private-sector stakeholders. If implemented, the proposal would temporarily alter commuting patterns during match days while maintaining essential services. Further announcements are expected once consultations conclude.