Mexico City protests World Cup rents
Activists warn 2026 tournament fuels evictions
Members of anti-gentrification collectives in Mexico City staged a protest against rising rents and evictions they attribute to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing the tournament’s lead-up of accelerating tourism‑linked displacement. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted for tenant protections and transparent urban planning, arguing that increased tourism, an influx of digital nomads and real estate speculation have pushed up housing costs in several boroughs.
The march concluded at the Tourism Ministry offices and was accompanied throughout by about 300 riot police. Organizers said the action aimed to spotlight how infrastructure upgrades and short‑term rental expansion tied to the World Cup risk displacing low‑income residents, citing examples from other cities where mega‑events precipitated gentrification and evictions.
Local authorities maintain that World Cup projects focus on stadium renovations, mobility improvements and public‑space modernization meant for long‑term benefit, and have denied plans for mass evictions. Officials say upgrades target transport corridors and tourism infrastructure rather than large‑scale residential redevelopment.
Housing advocates pressed for binding guarantees to prevent forced displacement, calling for affordable‑housing measures, rent controls during the tournament period and oversight of property practices. Civic groups said they plan additional demonstrations and public forums to demand safeguards and monitoring mechanisms to protect vulnerable residents.
The protest underscores mounting tensions between the economic opportunities promoted by hosting major sporting events and the social costs borne by local communities, as Mexico City prepares to host multiple World Cup matches alongside Guadalajara and Monterrey. Humanitarian and tenant groups warn that sustainable mitigation will require concrete policy commitments and resources to ensure upgrades do not exacerbate housing insecurity.
