Mexico City shuts down for World Cup opening: Government orders work from home and school closures

(Patria) – Ahead of the start of the World Cup, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a special decree introducing work from home for federal employees in Mexico City on June 11, while schools at all levels will be closed.

The decision was made to reduce traffic congestion and increase security during the opening ceremony of the World Cup, hosted by the Mexican capital. A large number of fans and visitors are expected due to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

According to the decree, federal institutions must organize online work for employees based in Mexico City, except for essential services such as healthcare, security, critical infrastructure, and operations related to the World Cup.

Both public and private educational institutions, from kindergartens to universities, will be closed, while the Mexican government has also called on the private sector to adopt a similar work-from-home model to further ease city traffic during the opening of the world's biggest football event.