Mexico's President Unveils Security Plan for Guadalajara's 2026 World Cup Hosting
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced details of a comprehensive security plan during her visit to Jalisco state on Friday, March 6, 2026. She was accompanied by members of the Security Council and prominent military leaders to address growing concerns regarding Guadalajara's hosting of World Cup matches. This initiative, involving over 20 federal government agencies and local authorities, aims to dispel doubts about the city's suitability to welcome the global sporting event, following a recent wave of violence in the region.
As part of implementing this initiative, Sheinbaum explained that Mexican authorities are working closely with counterparts in the United States, Canada, and FIFA to enhance planning and risk response. She announced the creation of three joint task forces in the host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Claudia Sheinbaum stated, “We are here to assure all residents of Jalisco that we are working together to achieve peace, security, and well-being in this beautiful state.”
For his part, General Román Villalvazo, the tournament's Security Coordination Official, noted that organizing the World Cup in conjunction with the United States and Canada represents an unprecedented event. General Román Villalvazo said, “For Mexico, it involves two challenges: presenting an image of a reliable and safe country to the international community, and having the capacity to confront any threats that undermine national security.” In a related context, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his full confidence in Mexico's ability to host a portion of the World Cup during a phone call with the Mexican President after the violence erupted last February.
These security measures are linked to the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” one of the country's most prominent drug cartel leaders, which led to clashes resulting in the deaths of over 70 people, including 25 members of the Mexican National Guard. Consequently, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch affirmed continued coordination with international partners to enhance protection plans and ensure the stability of the selected host cities, as well as the safety of delegations and fans expected to arrive in the summer of 2026.
