Federal Decree Orders Remote Work and School Closures

Mexico's federal government published a decree in the Official Journal of the Federation mandating remote work for federal offices in Mexico City and suspending classes on June 11, the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decree, signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum and Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez, applies mandatory remote work across all federal administration departments headquartered in the capital. According to Milenio, the government justified the measure by citing the need to improve urban mobility, road safety, and ensure continuity of administrative operations. The move affects millions of workers and students in the capital without requiring additional budget allocations, according to the document.

The order suspends classes that day across all public and private schools in Mexico City at preschool, primary, secondary, technical, upper secondary, and higher education levels overseen by the Education Ministry. Essential services remain exempt:

Private Sector Invited to Participate Voluntarily

According to El Financiero, presidential legal counsel Luisa María Alcalde clarified that the decree applies only to federal workers in the capital. The private and social sectors are encouraged, but not required, to adopt remote work for non-essential tasks, with exceptions for production, manufacturing, commerce, and restaurant operations.

Expansión reported that the scheme relies on information technology to maintain administrative functions during the event.

World Cup Kicks Off at Azteca Stadium

The tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa takes place June 11 at the Azteca Stadium. The decree will serve as a test case for how Mexico City's mobility system responds to a staggered remote work plan during peak World Cup activity. The country is hosting matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

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