Protesters topple World Cup player statues in Mexico City

Protesters have toppled over World Cup player statues installed in Mexico City, just days ahead of the tournament start. The demonstrators are a group of teachers demanding higher wages, and they say they will disrupt the matches if the federal government does not convene with them to discuss their demands.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on 11 June.

4 June 2026

Fifa

Mexico City

Giant World Cup ball whips through streets in wild weather

A bystander has captured the moment an inflatable World Cup football blew off its structure and bounced through the streets of El Salvador's capital.

Latin America

Watch: Peru police dress up as World Cup mascots during drug raid

Peruvian police officers disguised themselves as 2026 World Cup mascots to break into the home of a suspected drug dealer - and football fan.

Latin America

Robodogs and helicopters: One Mexican city's approach to World Cup security

In the shadow of cartel violence, BBC’s Will Grant got a first-hand look at security plans in Monterrey.

Latin America

How Cuba is addressing its housing crisis with shipping containers

BBC's Will Grant visited Barrio Toledo, where at least 700 containers are being repurposed into two-bedroom homes with kitchens, bathrooms and patios.

Latin America

Anti-government demonstrators and police clash in Bolivia

Protesters have been calling for the president to resign after weeks-long unrest.

Latin America

Huge crowd attends free Shakira Copacabana beach concert

Shakira's appearance followed shows by Lady Gaga and Madonna, who have also performed on Copacabana beach in previous years.

Latin America

'I want them to know it's a really bad business to kill journalists'

Journalists are now able to upload their work to a website so that if anything were to happen to them, their work could still be published.

Latin America

Will Mexico City's airport be ready for the World Cup?

The BBC takes a closer look at major renovations at Benito Juárez International Airport aimed at boosting capacity ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Latin America

Mass trial for 486 alleged gang members begins in El Salvador

Footage released by the attorney general's office shows large groups of men in prison attending the trial via video link.

Latin America

Watch: Fire damages roof of Rio's Olympic velodrome

Around 80 firefighters and 20 fire trucks tackled the blaze, the state's military fire department said, adding that no one was hurt.

Latin America

BBC looks at how Cubans are living with fuel shortages

The BBC's Will Grant spoke to several Cubans as the country grapples with severe electricity shortages, which is attributed in part to US sanctions.

Latin America

Watch: BBC on streets of Mexican city gripped by deadly cartel violence

BBC international correspondent Quentin Sommerville travelled to Culiacán in northern Sinaloa state following an explosion in violence.

Latin America

BBC sees damage in Puerto Vallarta after Mexican cartel violence

BBC's Will Grant visits Puerto Vallarta, a popular coastal resort town, to see the damage.

Latin America

BBC's Will Grant on the atmosphere in Mexico following unrest

The BBC's Will Grant describes how locals are feeling in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, Mexico, after a wave of violence hit the streets.

Latin America

What the killing of drug lord 'El Mencho' means for Mexico

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", was killed during a security operation to arrest him, Mexico's defence ministry has said.

Latin America

Giant tortoises return to Galápagos island after nearly 200 years

One hundred and fifty eight captive-bred juvenile tortoises were released on the Galápagos island of Floreana.

Latin America

Giant robot tribute to Brazil's President Lula comes last in carnival competition

Rio de Janeiro's iconic Carnival parades began with a tribute to Brazil's President Lula, illustrating his rise from poverty to power.

Latin America

Watch: Giant phantom jellyfish floating off Argentina

A rare phantom jellyfish has been spotted by scientists exploring the deep sea in the South Atlantic.

Latin America

BBC on the front line with Colombia's war on drugs

BBC Senior international correspondent Orla Guerin joined a special operation over Colombia's cocaine heartland, tasked with destroying crude cocaine labs hidden deep in the jungle.

Latin America

Public pay their respects to Cubans killed in Venezuela during US raid

The BBC's Will Grant is in Cuba's capital, Havana, where people lined the streets to pay tribute.

Latin America