Less than two months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, security concerns in Mexico are growing significantly, especially in the host cities.
In Guadalajara, one of the cities where matches will be held, the situation has worsened considerably. According to official data, 90.2% of residents say they feel unsafe, a sharp increase compared to the end of 2025.
The situation escalated after a federal forces operation against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the CJNG. He was wounded during the operation and later died, triggering a wave of violence in the Jalisco region, including cities such as Zapopan and Puerto Vallarta.
In Zapopan, where the World Cup host stadium is located, about 70% of residents say they feel unsafe, a significant increase compared to previous months.
Even in Puerto Vallarta, one of the most popular tourist destinations, insecurity has risen sharply. The percentage of residents who feel unsafe has increased from 32% to nearly 60% in just a few months.
Meanwhile, at the national level, the city of Irapuato remains the most problematic, with over 92% of residents feeling unsafe.
In Mexico City, the perception of insecurity remains relatively stable, with about 44% in the Coyoacán area and around 58% in Tlalpan. In Monterrey, however, an improvement has been noted, with the percentage of residents feeling unsafe dropping to about 59.7%.
Security remains one of the main challenges for World Cup organizers, which this time is being held in three countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Authorities face increasing pressure to ensure the safety of fans and residents, while fears of organized violence remain high in some key areas of the tournament.