Mexico Brings Forward End of School Year from July 15 to June 5 Due to World Cup and High Temperatures

Mexican authorities have decided to advance the end of the school year from July 15 to June 5, citing rising temperatures and the approaching 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

The Ministry of Public Education (SEP), responsible for setting the academic calendar for public and private schools in Mexico, explained that this decision was made "due to high temperatures and on the occasion of the FIFA World Cup." This comes despite forecasts indicating a drop in temperatures in the capital during June, after recent days saw temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

This measure is unprecedented, not having been taken even in previous years when Monterrey and Guadalajara recorded higher temperatures. The three host cities represent 18.5% of the country's total population, and this step will impact the daily lives of millions of citizens, according to a report by the Spanish newspaper "Sport."

While the decision is justified by the heatwave, it is also linked to concerns about exacerbating mobility and traffic congestion during the tournament, especially given Mexico City's significant issues with traffic and public transportation.

City residents confirmed that "traffic significantly decreases when children are on holiday," noting that commuting becomes less difficult compared to normal days, even if it still takes a long time.

During a previous organizational test ahead of the World Cup, a match between Mexico and Portugal on March 28, 2025, fans faced considerable difficulties reaching the Azteca Stadium. Some arrived during the second half due to congestion and transport challenges, according to the same source.

This decision comes weeks before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, as preparations in the host cities accelerate to avert an anticipated transport crisis, particularly since match times are expected to coincide with daily peak hours.