Protesters Target Hyundai Before World Cup Match Over 130,000 Disappeared and Ternium Supply Ties
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 17
Protesters Target Hyundai Before World Cup Match Over 130,000 Disappeared and Ternium Supply Ties
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 17
Summary
Guadalajara protesters plan a rally before Thursday’s Mexico-South Korea match, accusing World Cup sponsor Hyundai of sportswashing through its commercial ties to steelmaker Ternium.
A 2025 Mighty Earth report said Hyundai was part of a “dirty steel supply chain” because it is a major buyer of iron ore from Ternium for steel production.
The protest will also spotlight Mexico’s 130,000 disappeared, including Ricardo Lagunes and Antonio Díaz, who vanished in 2023 after criticizing mining activity linked to Ternium in Michoacán.
Hyundai and Kia are FIFA’s official mobility partners, supplying 994 cars and 506 buses from Hyundai plus 660 Kia vehicles across the 2026 tournament.
Ternium Mexico denied any role in the activists’ disappearance and said it operates lawfully; Hyundai declined to comment as World Cup protests in Mexico have already disrupted matches.
What responsibility do World Cup sponsors have for the violence and environmental damage hidden in their supply chains?
How can a company be a 'Sustainability Champion' while simultaneously facing accusations of severe human rights abuses?
As corporations invest billions in green steel, are they solving their ethical problems or just their emissions problem?
130,000 Disappeared: Human Rights Protests Target Hyundai and Ternium During Mexico’s 2026 World Cup
Overview
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, public demonstrations have become a prominent feature, especially in Guadalajara, where protests have specifically targeted Hyundai, a major event sponsor. Activists are using the global spotlight of the World Cup to draw attention to Mexico’s severe crisis of the disappeared, with around 130,000 people currently missing. Accusations of 'sportswashing' have been directed at Hyundai, but the company has declined to comment. These protests highlight how major international events are leveraged to amplify urgent social and human rights issues, making the World Cup a stage for broader calls for justice and accountability.