MEXICO CITY/NEW YORK - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that her government will ensure a peaceful opening ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the possibility of protests by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE), a major teachers' union.

Speaking during her daily morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Sheinbaum accused political opponents of attempting to provoke a government crackdown in order to generate negative international headlines ahead of the tournament. However, she ruled out the use of repressive police measures in response to any demonstrations.

"There are groups that want to provoke us, and they are not necessarily teachers. What they want is repression," Sheinbaum said.

"We will also ensure that the World Cup opening ceremony proceeds smoothly, peacefully and calmly," she added.

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Mexico is one of three host countries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada. The country is scheduled to host 13 matches across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Sheinbaum's comments come after the CNTE warned that it could stage protests if the federal government fails to meet its demands, including higher wages and other labor-related concessions.

Somali referee denied entry to US

Meanwhile, a Somali referee due to officiate in the FIFA World Cup has been denied entry to the United States, according to an official from his country's sports ministry.

Omar Artan, among the 52 referees designated by FIFA for the tournament which kicks off on Thursday, was set to be the first Somali referee to take charge of a game at the World Cup.

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He is reported to have had a valid entry visa, but according to Cisse Aden Abshir, an advisor to the Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports, he was denied entry by US immigration officials from entering at Miami International Airport and has had to fly back to Istanbul, where he had been staying.

"Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community," Abshir said.

"Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play," he added.