Mexico has withdrawn its proposal to shorten the academic year ahead of the FIFA World Cup, following widespread criticism from parents, research institutions and local authorities.
Earlier, Education Minister Mario Delgado announced that the school year would end approximately 40 days earlier than scheduled. The proposal cited both the upcoming World Cup and extreme heatwaves as reasons for the adjustment. The announcement, however, prompted nationwide debate and criticism over its potential impact on the education system.
Subsequently, President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated consultations involving education officials and government representatives, who met with parents and stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed change. Following these discussions, the government decided to retain the existing academic calendar.
Under the revised decision, the school year will proceed as originally planned, with schools closing on 15 July and reopening on 31 August. The education authorities confirmed that the standard six-week holiday period will remain unchanged.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the holiday structure would continue as usual and that certain adjustments might still be made by individual schools where necessary. She also emphasised that the decision reflected input from all relevant stakeholders.
The proposal to conclude the school year on 5 June had already been opposed by at least two Mexican states prior to its withdrawal. Local authorities had expressed concerns regarding its feasibility and potential disruption to the education system.
Research institutions had also warned that implementing the shortened calendar could reduce effective learning time for approximately 23.4 million students, potentially affecting educational outcomes across the country.
Mexico is part of the joint hosting arrangement for the FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 11 June, with the opening match set to take place at Mexico City’s stadium, where the hosts Mexico will face South Africa.
Key Timeline of Events
| Stage | Development | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial proposal | Academic year reduction | School year proposed to end around 40 days early due to World Cup and heatwaves |
| Public reaction | Nationwide criticism | Opposition from parents, researchers and local authorities |
| Government review | Consultations held | Meetings conducted under President Claudia Sheinbaum with stakeholders |
| Final decision | Plan withdrawn | Original academic calendar retained |
| Academic schedule | Holiday confirmed | Schools to close on 15 July and reopen on 31 August |
| Impact assessment | Research warning | Potential effect on 23.4 million students’ learning time |