Sheinbaum says FIFA will visit Mexico to assess World Cup security and mobility

FIFA to Assess Security in Mexico Amid Concerns Over 2026 World Cup

Representatives from FIFA will soon visit Mexico to evaluate security and transportation concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Friday during her daily press briefing.

The planned visit comes in the wake of widespread violence that erupted across Mexico following the killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” by Mexican military forces last Sunday. The operation and subsequent cartel retaliation left 70 people dead, with cartel members setting up fiery roadblocks across several states, particularly in Jalisco.

The violence raised particular concerns about Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, which is scheduled to host four World Cup matches. Despite these security challenges, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed “full confidence” in Mexico’s ability to serve as a co-host during a Thursday phone call with President Sheinbaum.

“He assured me that the World Cup would be held in our country,” Sheinbaum stated. “We agreed that a FIFA team would definitely come to review several issues. We’ve been working on this for a long time, but the issue of security is particularly important, of course.”

While Sheinbaum did not specify when the FIFA delegation would arrive, she emphasized that Sunday’s events represented “a special situation” and that Mexico has now “returned to normal, with all the safety measures that have been in place for some time.”

However, security concerns remain evident in Guadalajara. World Aquatics recently canceled a Diving World Cup event scheduled for next week near the city. Sheinbaum noted that CONADE, Mexico’s government sports authority, is attempting to convince World Aquatics to relocate the competition to another Mexican city rather than cancel it entirely.

“We’re working with them to try and get this international tournament back,” the president said. “We still have faith that we can get this tournament back.”

The upcoming FIFA visit will also focus on transportation infrastructure in the three Mexican cities hosting World Cup matches – Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. With fewer than 100 days before the first match at Azteca Stadium on June 11, each city faces significant mobility challenges.

In Mexico City, workers are rushing to improve a light rail line that serves as the most efficient route to Azteca Stadium. Monterrey’s subway system remains under construction, while Guadalajara’s stadium lacks adequate public transportation options, though it does feature extensive parking facilities.

“Infantino also asked me to look at the issue of traffic in the three cities in order to guarantee the mobility of all those who will be attending the stadiums,” Sheinbaum acknowledged.

The 2026 World Cup represents a significant opportunity for Mexico, which will co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada. It marks the third time Mexico will host World Cup matches, following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, making it the first nation to host the event three times.

The security situation in Mexico has long been a concern for international sporting events. While major tournaments typically receive heightened security measures, the recent outbreak of cartel violence has intensified scrutiny. Mexican authorities will need to demonstrate their capacity to secure not only the stadiums but surrounding areas, hotels, and transportation corridors during the month-long tournament.

FIFA’s upcoming assessment visit will likely determine what additional security measures might be necessary to ensure a safe tournament experience for teams, officials, and the hundreds of thousands of international visitors expected to attend matches in Mexico.