In a move set to coincide with the much-anticipated World Cup fixture between Mexico and South Korea, protesters are planning a rally in Guadalajara on Thursday. The demonstration aims to spotlight Hyundai's controversial business dealings with the South American mining company, Ternium.
Focus on Hyundai's Business Practices
The protesters are specifically targeting Hyundai, one of the major sponsors of the World Cup, due to its role in what critics describe as a "dirty steel supply chain." The environmental group Mighty Earth has accused Hyundai of being a significant purchaser of iron ore from Ternium, which is used in its steel production processes.
A report released in 2025 by Mighty Earth highlighted several environmental and social concerns linked to Ternium. The mining company has been repeatedly criticized for its detrimental environmental practices and questionable corporate governance policies. These allegations are central to the grievances being voiced by the demonstrators in Guadalajara.
Environmental and Human Rights Concerns
Ternium's environmental track record has attracted significant scrutiny from numerous campaign groups, who have raised alarms over the company's mining operations. The criticisms primarily focus on the alleged environmental degradation caused by these activities and the company's broader impact on local communities.
Furthermore, Ternium has been linked to a more serious allegation involving the disappearance of two Mexican activists. This has amplified the calls for accountability and transparency, with protestors demanding that Hyundai reconsider its business ties with the mining company. The rally in Guadalajara thus serves not only as a protest against Hyundai but also as a broader appeal for environmental justice and human rights.
World Cup Sponsorship Under Scrutiny
The timing of the protest is strategically aligned with the high-profile World Cup event, leveraging the global attention on the tournament to highlight these critical issues. With Hyundai being a major sponsor, the activists hope to pressure the automotive giant into re-evaluating its supply chain practices.
This is not the first time a World Cup sponsor has come under fire for its business practices. Global events like the World Cup provide a unique platform for activists to draw international focus to issues that might otherwise remain under the radar.
Calls for Corporate Responsibility
The protest in Guadalajara is part of a larger movement calling for increased corporate responsibility. Activists argue that companies like Hyundai have the power and responsibility to enact change by ensuring their business operations do not contribute to environmental harm or human rights violations.
While Hyundai has yet to respond publicly to these specific allegations, the pressure from environmental and human rights groups suggests that there may be an impending need for the company to address these concerns more transparently. The outcome of such protests could influence Hyundai's future business decisions and its approach to corporate social responsibility.
As the world watches the Mexico vs. South Korea game, the protestors in Guadalajara hope to send a strong message that resonates far beyond the football pitch, advocating for a more ethical and sustainable business landscape.