Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to deploy approximately 100,000 security personnel to ensure public safety during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This security initiative comes in response to increased violence in the country following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” in a recent army operation. The security strategy involves 20,000 soldiers, 55,000 police officers, and personnel from private security firms, backed by military and civilian vehicles, aircraft, anti-drone systems, and specially trained dogs for detecting explosives.
“We are very prepared for the World Cup,” stated Sheinbaum during a news conference in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, which has a significant number of missing persons. Mexico, along with the United States and Canada, will co-host the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, with Mexico hosting 13 matches across various cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. General Roman Villalvazo, the military officer overseeing security operations, emphasized the importance of presenting a secure and well-organized Mexico to the international community and addressing threats to national security.
Villalvazo highlighted that Mexican security forces began specialized training in January and will continue with further exercises in the upcoming weeks. Since El Mencho’s death in February, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, formerly under his leadership, has clashed with the Mexican military, leading to violent incidents including shootouts and road blockades. Despite these challenges, FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed full confidence in Mexico’s capability to host the tournament.
