President Claudia Sheinbaum announced today that Mexico is ready to safely host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She stated that the government is providing “all guarantees” for a secure tournament, despite recent cartel-related violence in the state of Jalisco.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum addressed concerns following the capture of a top cartel leader, which briefly caused instability in the region. She insisted that the safety of teams and fans will not be compromised.
“There are no risks to the event,” Sheinbaum confirmed. She added that authorities will not take any chances and that the scheduled matches will proceed with full security measures.
Mexico is set to host 13 games during the World Cup, which it is organizing alongside the United States and Canada. The opening match of the tournament is scheduled for June 11 at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Other host cities include Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Recent security incidents in Jalisco had led to travel advisories for the area surrounding Guadalajara.
However, the President emphasized that the government is prioritizing safety in that region to ensure the games there go on without issue.
The administration is currently coordinating security plans, infrastructure improvements, and logistics for the event. Officials expressed confidence that the recent violence will not affect the tournament’s success.