Mexico’s federal government just told its workers to stay home for the World Cup. Not because the president is a superfan (though who knows), but because Mexico City is about to become one of the most congested places on Earth when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at Estadio Azteca.
President Claudia Sheinbaum sanctioned a decree on June 9 mandating telework for all non-essential federal public agency employees in Mexico City on June 11, the day of the tournament’s opening match. Every educational institution in the capital, across all levels, will also suspend in-person classes that day. The goal is straightforward: keep the city moving while tens of thousands of fans descend on the stadium.
What the decree actually does
The telework order applies exclusively to federal public sector workers in roles deemed non-essential. Essential services continue as normal. This isn’t a national holiday. It’s a targeted congestion management tool.
For the private sector, the government stopped short of a mandate. Instead, businesses received what amounts to a polite suggestion: adopt flexible work arrangements where possible.
