The Baja California Sur state government declared Thursday, June 11, a day off for all public employees so they can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The directive came from the state’s Undersecretary of Administration, who notified all personnel regardless of position. The rationale cited was promoting family time and recreation on a historic day for Mexican soccer. Jorge Bautista, a member of the General Administration of Government offices, reported the announcement.
Essential Services Will Stay Open With Skeleton Crews
Department heads across the state have been instructed to maintain skeleton crews in areas that provide essential public services. Emergency, health, and public safety offices are expected to remain staffed at reduced levels throughout the day.
The Los Cabos municipal government is following the state’s lead. Municipal offices in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo will also close or operate with limited staff on Thursday.
Private Businesses and Tourist Services Unaffected
The holiday applies only to state and municipal government workers. Private businesses operate normally under Mexico’s Federal Labor Law. Banks, restaurants, stores, shops, and tourist services throughout Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos, and the rest of the peninsula will keep regular hours.
If you have an appointment at a government office on Thursday, such as immigration, vehicle registration, or permit offices, expect closures or severely reduced staffing. Plan to reschedule for Friday or the following week.
BCS Joins a National Trend
Baja California Sur is not alone in clearing the calendar for Mexico’s opener. Mexico City suspended school classes for Thursday to ease traffic around Estadio Azteca, where the match will be played. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the Mexico City closures on Tuesday. Federal workers in the capital have also been ordered to work from home on game day.
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The tournament runs 39 days through July 19, with matches at stadiums across all three countries. Mexico’s opening match against South Africa kicks off the entire tournament on Thursday.
North of the border, Baja California’s state government is organizing outdoor watch parties on the streets of Tijuana and Mexicali for the opener and other key matches.
This story was first reported by the Gringo Gazette.