Mexican President Pledges Robust Security for World Cup in Jalisco Visit

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Announces Security Deployment for 2026 FIFA World Cup

President Sheinbaum has announced plans to deploy up to 100,000 members of Mexico’s security forces during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made during a visit to Jalisco state, where the capital city Guadalajara is set to host several matches.

Sheinbaum stated that her administration is committed to ensuring public safety and security in Jalisco and across Mexico ahead of the tournament. The deployment includes 20,000 military personnel, as well as 55,000 police officers, supplemented by private security companies.

The World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States and Canada, with matches scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. A total of 13 games will take place across the three cities.

General Roman Villalvazo Barrios, head of Mexico’s World Cup coordination centre, confirmed that the country’s security plan includes a significant number of personnel. “We have approximately 99,000 personnel deployed to ensure public safety,” he said.

The announcement comes as Mexico faces pressure from the US to aggressively confront cartels within its borders. The death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera in February has sparked concerns about security in Jalisco and beyond.

Sheinbaum’s administration has faced criticism for the increasing use of military forces in law enforcement efforts, with some groups expressing concerns over corruption and human rights abuses. However, officials have assured FIFA authorities and potential travellers that the tournament will be safe.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to start on June 11, with Mexico City hosting the first match followed by a second in Guadalajara.

Source: Al Jazeera