Mexico City’s Security Concerns Ahead of World Cup 2026
Mexico City, February 2, 2026 – With only months remaining until Mexico City serves as one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, Royfid Torres, coordinator for Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) in the Mexico City Congress, has issued a stark warning: the capital is ill-prepared to ensure the safety of foreign visitors throughout the month-long event.
In an interview with Publimetro, the MC legislator emphasized that the anticipated influx of international visitors necessitates the implementation of permanent security operations by the capital’s government. He highlighted the potential for risks such as the disappearance or getting lost of foreign nationals, scenarios that have regrettably occurred in other host countries during major international events.
“It is a huge challenge for the city government to guarantee the safety of all of us who live in the city and all those who arrive every day, and for this event, of all those who come to visit us, who will not be few.” – Royfid Torres
World Cup: A Month-Long Challenge, Not a Weekend Event
Torres underscored that the World Cup is not a brief affair but an extended event spanning nearly a month. This duration demands a different level of planning and preparation compared to other mass gatherings. He criticized the current approach, suggesting it lacks the necessary foresight for such a prolonged international spectacle.
“It’s not going to be a weekend, the World Cup lasts a month and we have to be prepared. The city government has to guarantee a permanent operation so that those who visit us and those of us who live here are safe.” – Royfid Torres
Limited Legislative Action Possible
When questioned about the possibility of legislative intervention to address security concerns for foreigners, the deputy admitted that the scope for action is now minimal, as the time for effective legislative influence has passed. He revealed that a special commission for the World Cup was established last year but never became operational, placing the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the capital’s government.
“Today the responsibility is in the hands of the Government. What remains for us is to observe, monitor the works, the infrastructure and the proposals that are generated from the World Cup.” – Royfid Torres
Mexico City: Not Ready for World Cup 2026
Torres concluded with a firm assertion that Mexico City is not equipped to host an event of this magnitude. He pointed to significant deficiencies in infrastructure, mobility, and logistics, which he believes will exacerbate the challenges posed by the World Cup.
“We have a long way to go to be ready, from how we are going to receive people at an airport that is still under construction, to a city that is already chaotic to still face an event of this nature,” he concluded.
The concerns raised by Royfid Torres highlight a critical need for immediate and comprehensive action from Mexico City’s authorities to ensure the safety and smooth experience of all visitors during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The lack of preparedness, particularly in security and infrastructure, poses a significant risk to the city’s reputation and the well-being of attendees.
The city’s ability to manage the massive influx of tourists and maintain public order throughout the tournament remains a major point of contention. With the event drawing closer, the pressure on the current administration to demonstrate a robust and effective plan is mounting.
Further details regarding the specific security measures and contingency plans are expected to be released by the Mexico City government in the coming months. However, the current assessment from Movimiento Ciudadano suggests that these efforts may be too little, too late, to adequately address the scale of the challenge.
The debate over Mexico City’s readiness for the World Cup is likely to intensify as the event approaches, with public and political scrutiny focusing on the government’s capacity to deliver on its commitments to international visitors and local residents alike.
Source: https://www.publimetro.com.mx/noticias/2026/02/02/extranjeros-estaran-en-riesgo-durante-el-mundial-2026-mc-pide-operativos-permanentes-en-cdmx/
