Mexico's security cabinet met with FIFA representatives on March 4, 2026, to coordinate protection measures for the FIFA World Cup. The session, under President Claudia Sheinbaum's instructions, reviewed intelligence protocols, prevention, and operational deployment in host cities. This follows questions about the country's ability to ensure safety amid recent violence.
Omar García Harfuch, head of Mexico's Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), reported on the meeting with FIFA, which included federal authorities and those from Mexico City, Jalisco, and Nuevo León—the entities hosting World Cup matches. Participants included Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez; General Ricardo Trevilla from the National Defense Secretariat; Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles from the Navy Secretariat; Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente; and Undersecretary Roberto Velasco.
García Harfuch detailed that they reviewed 'intelligence protocols, prevention, and operational deployment' for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to ensure safety for residents and visitors through joint efforts between the federation, states, and municipalities.
The meeting follows concerns about whether Mexico meets security requirements, particularly after a wave of violence following the operation that killed Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho,' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. President Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico retains its host status and coordinates with FIFA on logistics and security. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated confidence in Mexico's ability to host matches alongside the United States and Canada.
Mexico will host for the third time, with 13 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, including the opener. Meanwhile, the Mexico City Tourism Secretariat clarified no massive hotel room cancellations by FIFA, though the Hotel Association reported 40% of 2,000 reserved rooms released. Additionally, the 'México Vibra' festival was announced for June 9-10 at the Auditorio Nacional, and Mexicana de Aviación requested permits for charter flights to U.S. host cities.
