Mexico to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Mexican authorities said on Friday that nearly 100,000 security personnel, including military, police and private staff, will be deployed to safeguard 2026 World Cup matches in the country, after a recent flare-up in violence linked to the death of a drug cartel boss.

Mexico will stage 13 matches of the tournament co-hosted with the United States and Canada, including four in Guadalajara, capital of the state of Jalisco and home to the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel (CJNG), whose leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, was killed in a federal operation on 22 February.

General Román Villalvazo Barrios, who heads the World Cup coordination centre, detailed a deployment of 20,000 military personnel, including National Guard members, and 55,000 police, alongside private security, bringing the overall contingent to just over 99,000.

The plan also includes nearly 2,500 military and civilian vehicles, 24 aircraft, anti-drone systems and sniffer dogs. The security strategy, coordinated with both co-hosts, aims to prevent and respond to threats during the tournament and protect spectators in host cities.

The announcement was made in Jalisco, one of the states most affected by CJNG actions that have hit 20 of the country’s 32 states since confirmation of Oseguera’s death. Mexico City and Monterrey will also host matches, with the opening match scheduled for 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Source: L'Équipe