Mexico City has suspended classes in schools and ordered government employees to work from home ahead of the FIFA World Cup opening match, a move sanctioned by president Claudia Scheinbaum.

The decision reflects the enormous national anticipation surrounding the tournament, which will see Mexico serve as one of the host nations. Authorities want citizens to be free to watch the historic occasion without workplace or academic obligations getting in the way.

The suspension of school sessions and the shift to remote working signal just how significant the World Cup opener is for the Mexican capital — a city that will be at the heart of the global football celebration.