Families of the disappeared in Mexico are organizing a national peaceful protest on June 11, the day of the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, to highlight the ongoing crisis of disappearances in the country.
In a significant move to raise awareness about the crisis of disappearances in Mexico, families of missing persons are organizing a peaceful protest coinciding with the inaugural match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. Scheduled for June 11, the demonstration is aimed at drawing attention to the troubling statistics that report over 133,000 cases of disappearances in Mexico, with a staggering 99% impunity rate for these cases. The protest emphasizes the stark contrast between the festive atmosphere inside the stadium and the grief and loss felt by these families outside.
The call to action is being led by Ricardo García and Vanessa Gámez, whose daughter Ana Amelí García went missing in July 2025 in the Ajusco area near Estadio Azteca, where the opening match will take place. They aim to create a powerful visual statement by forming "human barriers" at the stadium entrances from 8:00 AM local time. This strategic timing is intended to ensure that the message of their struggle reaches a global audience, highlighting the ongoing horror of disappearances that emblemizes a significant social issue in Mexico.
This initiative reflects broader calls for justice and accountability, not only for the families affected but also for advocating systemic change in how disappearances are investigated in Mexico. With the protests set against a backdrop of international attention brought by the World Cup, the families hope their voices will be amplified and resonate beyond national borders, urging both local authorities and the international community to confront this ongoing crisis of human rights violations.
