The van of former footballer Cuauhtémoc Blanco was spray-painted by protesters from the 'AntiFIFA Challenge' as he was heading to the Estadio Ciudad de México for the Mexico vs England match of the 2026 World Cup.
The van carrying former footballer Cuauhtémoc Blanco was vandalised this Sunday by members of the protest called “AntiFIFA Challenge” while en route to the Estadio Ciudad de México to watch the match between Mexico and England, part of the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The incident occurred on Periférico Sur, where the Anti-World Cup Assembly blocked the road to protest against the effects they claim have arisen from the organisation of the World Cup, such as gentrification, disappearances, and water shortages.
A Protest Against the World Cup
During the mobilization, one of the protesters, with their face covered, spray-painted one side of the van that Blanco was travelling in. After the act, the former national team player got out of the vehicle to try to calm the situation and prevent the altercation from escalating.
Due to the blockade, the vehicle could not continue its journey to the stadium. Members of the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) instructed the driver to reverse and seek an alternative route to reach the venue.
The protest coincided with the arrival of thousands of fans at the Estadio Ciudad de México, where the match between Mexico and England was delayed by an hour due to the activation of the thunderstorm protocol because of the weather conditions recorded in the capital.
Thunderstorm Delays the Match
From the early hours of Sunday, capital authorities warned of the likelihood of heavy rains, electrical activity, and possible hail, conditions that necessitated the reinforcement of security and civil protection operations around the stadium.
The one-hour delay in the start of the match caused frustration among fans, who were already crowding at the gates of the venue. However, the World Cup organization activated the thunderstorm safety protocols, which include the temporary evacuation of uncovered areas.
For readers interested in the economic impact of these incidents, it is worth noting that delays in high-profile matches can affect sponsors and television networks, although in this case, no significant losses have been reported.
A Context of Social Tensions
The protest by the Anti-World Cup Assembly is set against a backdrop of growing social discontent in Mexico over the costs of the World Cup. Civil organizations have reported that the organisation of the tournament has exacerbated problems such as gentrification in areas surrounding the stadiums and water shortages in the capital.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who was governor of Morelos and is an iconic figure in Mexican football, has not made any public statements regarding the incident. However, close sources indicate that he arrived at the stadium without further issues and was able to watch the match.
The Mexico vs England match eventually took place normally, although under a cloudy sky threatening more rain. For fans planning to attend upcoming matches, it is recommended to check the weather forecasts and anticipate possible delays due to thunderstorms.
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