Mexico has cancelled a proposal to shorten its school year ahead of the 2026 World Cup following widespread criticism from parents, think tanks, and local authorities, the government said on Monday.
Education Secretary Mario Delgado had announced on Friday that the school year would end about 40 days early, on June 5, citing extreme heat conditions as part of the justification. However, the proposal quickly drew public opposition.
Following a meeting between education officials and stakeholders, convened after President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed reservations, authorities agreed to retain the original academic calendar.
Under the revised decision, the school year will now end on July 15, with classes resuming on August 31, the Education Ministry confirmed.
The World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, is set to begin on June 11, with Mexico scheduled to play South Africa in Mexico City.
Sheinbaum said the government aims to maintain a six-week holiday period and ensure broad consensus on the academic schedule, adding that officials would continue consultations with parents and educators.
The proposal had also faced criticism from policy groups, including think tank Mexico Evalua, which warned that shortening the school year could negatively affect learning outcomes for an estimated 23.4 million students.
Separately, Sheinbaum said the government is working to guarantee security arrangements for the tournament and complete key infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the Azteca Stadium and Mexico City International Airport.
