The Mexican government has scrapped its proposal to begin the summer school vacation early, a move originally justified by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and an anticipated heatwave.
The decision was reversed on Monday during a national meeting of officials from Mexico’s Ministry of Education. “It was decided to maintain the original 2025-2026 school calendar… under which the academic year will end on July 15,” the ministry announced in a statement.
Mexico is co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Canada, and will stage 13 matches, including the opening game on June 11 in Mexico City.
Last week, the government had announced a school break 40 days ahead of schedule, sparking strong opposition in the states of Jalisco and Nuevo León, home to the host cities Guadalajara and Monterrey. The plan also drew criticism from parent-teacher associations concerned about rising childcare costs, as well as from business leaders.
Education Minister Mario Delgado had explained that classes should end on June 5, “because many states are facing high temperatures, and there’s also the World Cup issue.”
Faced with the backlash, President Claudia Sheinbaum postponed a final decision, assuring the public it was merely “a proposal.”
Mexico’s move contrasts with earlier speculation that the break would help ease travel and accommodation demand during the tournament. However, critics argued that an early vacation would disrupt learning and burden families financially. With the original calendar now restored, schools will operate as usual until mid-July, just weeks after the World Cup kickoff.
