Violence and Protests Could Test Mexicos Role in Hosting World Cup

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Security Concerns Rise Ahead of FIFA World Cup in Mexico

The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Mexico is set to begin on June 11, with fans and human rights groups expressing concerns over safety. The tournament opener will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where the home team will face South Africa.

Recent incidents of violence have raised security fears in tournament host cities across Mexico. A mass shooting in the Mexican state of Puebla on Sunday has exacerbated these concerns. Six men, three women, and a minor were victims of an armed attack at a residence in Tehuitzingo, 200 kilometers from Mexico City. The state Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident.

In April, Human Rights Watch highlighted that Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists working in World Cup host cities. Amnesty International also called on FIFA and tournament hosts to take urgent action to protect fans, players, journalists, workers, and local communities.

The country has experienced a wave of violence since February, following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed reassurance about Mexico hosting the tournament after the violence triggered by the killing.

Several human rights groups in Mexico are using the World Cup to draw attention to sociopolitical issues that have long remained unaddressed, including the crisis of missing persons. According to official government data, there are 133,960 people missing in Mexico, driven largely by decades of cartel violence and institutional neglect.

The mothers of missing persons in Mexico will hold a football match outside the Nuevo Leon government palace on Sunday to demand answers about their loved ones’ whereabouts. The event is part of ongoing protests against violence and impunity plaguing the country.

Source: Al Jazeera