Mexico to shorten school year due to 2026 FIFA World Cup and summer heat

Mexico plans to end its school year early, moving the closing date from July 15 to June 5, as the country prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a severe heat wave. Education Secretary Mario Delgado said the decision was influenced by rising temperatures and World Cup preparations, while President Claudia Sheinbaum later described it as a proposal. The move has sparked criticism from parents and education groups concerned about disrupted learning and childcare challenges.

Mexico will end its school year more than a month earlier than scheduled as the country prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid an intense heat wave affecting several regions.
Education Secretary Mario Delgado announced the decision in a social media post on Thursday, triggering widespread criticism from parents and education groups who expressed concerns about disruptions to learning and the challenge of arranging childcare for students during the extended break.
However, on Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared to soften the announcement, describing the revised school calendar as only a proposal. Despite this, Delgado reaffirmed the plan during a public event in the northern state of Sonora.
According to Delgado, the current academic year would now end on June 5 instead of July 15 due to the severe temperatures already being recorded in many states and because of preparations connected to the World Cup tournament.
To make up for the lost academic time, authorities are considering bringing forward the start of the next school year, which is currently set for August 31.
Delgado assured the public that the revised calendar would not affect students’ academic progress. In a post shared on X, he stated that authorities would ensure all curriculum requirements are completed and that students continue to meet educational standards, although he did not provide specific details on how this would be achieved.
During a press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that it was also important to ensure children do not lose valuable classroom learning time.
The proposed changes are expected to affect only students attending public schools, who make up about 90 percent of the student population in Mexico.
The plan has drawn strong opposition from parent groups. Mexico’s National Union of Parent Associations criticized the government for linking the school calendar to the World Cup, arguing that children’s education should not be disrupted for a sporting event taking place in only three out of the country’s 2,500 municipalities. The group also noted that high temperatures during this period are a regular occurrence in Mexico and should not come as a surprise.
Mexico is currently facing a major heat wave, with temperatures climbing as high as 45 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. Such extreme heat is common during this time of year and usually begins to subside around July.
Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara are scheduled to host 13 World Cup matches, including the tournament’s opening game in Mexico City on June 11. Officials believe ending the school year earlier could help reduce traffic congestion and ease movement as thousands of football fans and visitors arrive in the country for the competition.