Mexico Cuts School Year Short Ahead of World Cup

Mexico's education secretary, Mario Delgado, announced on Thursday that the school year will conclude 40 days early on June 5, 2023, in response to a severe heat wave and the upcoming World Cup. This decision is part of the country's preparations to host World Cup matches, which begin on June 11.

The early closure will impact approximately 23.4 million students, reducing their learning time amid existing educational challenges. Parents expressed shock at the decision, which requires them to arrange childcare for an extended summer break.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the mayor of Mexico City, stated that there is no definitive calendar yet for the next academic year, which is currently scheduled to start on August 31. The business association Coparmex criticized the decision as hasty, warning it could disrupt family schedules and have subsequent effects on labor.

In Jalisco state, where Guadalajara will host a World Cup match, classes will be suspended for four days to accommodate event logistics.