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Just months before kickoff, Mexico faces mounting questions about its readiness to co-host one of the world’s biggest sporting events. With narco violence, security concerns, incomplete infrastructure projects, and outdated transportation systems, the shadow of doubt looms large over the country’s World Cup aspirations.
The Security Crisis
The recent assassination of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho” – the feared leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – has sparked unprecedented violence across Mexican states. Four domestic soccer matches were postponed as unrest spread through Jalisco, Guadalajara, and surrounding regions. The U.S. government even instructed American citizens to shelter in place in Guadalajara due to ongoing security operations.
This violence erupted just weeks before Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron is scheduled to host crucial World Cup playoff matches in March, and four group-stage games during the tournament itself, including Mexico vs. South Korea on June 18th.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly expressed “complete confidence” in Mexican authorities, stating, “We are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also insisted there is “no risk” to fans, with “all the guarantees” in place.
However, critics argue these assurances may be overly optimistic. Security columnist Óscar Balderas revealed that Mexico had reportedly asked the United States not to take action against El Mencho during 2026 to avoid a “Culiacanazo-style disaster” while the world watches.
Infrastructure Under Pressure
While security dominates headlines, infrastructure challenges remain equally pressing. The iconic Estadio Azteca – recently renamed Estadio Banorte and set to host the World Cup opener – has faced renovation delays. Portuguese media have even reported concerns about whether the stadium will be ready for the upcoming Mexico vs. Portugal friendly, with alternative venues already being discussed.
Mexico’s airport and highway infrastructure, long criticized as obsolete, now faces the daunting task of handling hundreds of thousands of visitors. Unlike co-hosts the United States and Canada, which have invested billions in modern transportation networks, Mexico’s preparations lag behind.
Transportation experts warn that the distributed model of the 2026 World Cup – spreading events across 16 host cities in three countries – places particular strain on Mexico’s limited connectivity. With some states still lacking adequate infrastructure, logistical nightmares seem inevitable.
**The Economic Calculation Despite the mounting concerns, Mexico expects approximately 836,000 visitors during the tournament – significantly fewer than Russia 2018 (1.5 million) or Brazil 2014 (1.5 million). Yet projections suggest a 26.5% tourism growth spike in the event year, with cumulative increases of 23.3% over the following three years.The Mexican government has launched cultural initiatives, including plans to paint more than 1,000 murals across Mexico City and renovate 12 museums and 46 archaeological sites nationwide. A new Indigenous textile museum is set to open in May, attempting to leverage the World Cup for longer-term cultural tourism benefits.
The Verdict
So, is Mexico ready? The answer depends on perspective. FIFA and Mexican officials project confidence, insisting security protocols and infrastructure improvements will be complete in time. They point to plans for thousands of new security cameras, state-of-the-art surveillance systems, and heavy deployment of National Guard and military personnel during the tournament.
But skeptics argue that no matter how many cameras are installed or soldiers deployed, the underlying challenges remain. Narco violence shows no signs of abating. Infrastructure projects that should have been completed years ago are still unfinished. And the world will be watching not just the beautiful game, but how Mexico handles the pressure. As Guadalajara taxi driver Juan Carlos Pila told reporters, “People should come, man. Everyone is welcome.” But for small business owners like Maria Dolores Aguirre in Tapalpa, whose family business depends on tourism, the fear is palpable: “The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”
The 2026 World Cup could be Mexico’s moment to shine – or a stark reminder of the challenges it still faces. With the eyes of the world watching, the beautiful game will be played against a backdrop not just of athletic competition, but of national reckoning.
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