Mexico’s education minister announced plans to bring the current school year to an early close, saying it would end on June 5 instead of the scheduled July 15. Education Secretary Mario Delgado justified the move by pointing to an intense heat wave affecting large parts of the country and to preparations for the FIFA World Cup, which begins in Mexico in June.
The announcement, posted on social media, prompted immediate criticism from parents and education groups who say the change could disrupt learning and force families to find last‑minute childcare. On Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum described the schedule as a proposal, but Delgado reiterated the decision during an event in Sonora, saying, “We’re going to end the school year on June 5 because many states are already experiencing high temperatures, and there’s also the issue of the World Cup.”
Delgado indicated authorities are considering moving up the start of the next academic year—currently set for August 31—to make up time. He also wrote on X that officials would ensure curriculum requirements are met and that students’ academic progress would be preserved, though he provided few specifics about how learning loss would be avoided.
The measure would mainly affect public schools, which educate roughly 90% of Mexico’s students. That has intensified concerns from parent organizations and unions. Mexico’s National Union of Parent Associations called using the World Cup as a reason to shorten the school calendar “unacceptable,” saying children’s education should not be sacrificed for a sporting event that will take place in only a handful of municipalities out of the country’s roughly 2,500.
Mexico is currently facing a strong heat wave, with temperatures reported as high as around 45 degrees Celsius in some areas. Opponents of the early closure note that such temperatures are not uncommon and typically begin to ease in July, suggesting heat alone is not a sufficient reason to truncate the school year.
Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara will host 13 World Cup matches, including the tournament opener in Mexico City on June 11. Officials have suggested an earlier end to classes could reduce traffic and logistical pressure as international visitors arrive, but critics say the social and educational costs for families and students have not been adequately addressed.
The proposal remains contentious as federal and local authorities, parent groups and educators weigh the trade‑offs between public safety, event planning and maintaining instructional time. Government officials say details on implementation and safeguards for students’ learning will be clarified in the coming days.