Mexico's Protesting Teachers Union CNTE Early Favorite to Win World Cup
Vegas gives Teachers Union 5-2 odds to win trophy after 11 straight days of paralyzing protests in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Teachers Union, the CNTE, is an early favorite to win the 2026 World Cup after it successfully immobilized the 22-million resident metropolis with protests for 11 straight days ahead of the tournament.
Hours before kick-off on Thursday, oddsmakers in Las Vegas and sports betting sites such as DraftKings, FanDuel and Bet365 increased the CNTE’s odds of winning the World Cup to 5-2 , moving the Teachers Union ahead of tournament favorites France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina.
“They’re big, they’re mean, they have great endurance and they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want,” said Gary McGarry, the 39-year-old owner of the sportsbook Cashin’ Out. “I know Spain and France have great teams, but if the CNTE can bring the entire Aztec empire to a standstill for two weeks, imagine what they’ll be able to accomplish on the pitch.”