Mexico City Declared ‘Safest City’ for World Cup 2026, Mayor Brugada Announces
Mexico City, January 15, 2026 – The head of government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, declared on Thursday that the capital is fully prepared to host the twenty-third edition of the FIFA World Cup as the “city with the most security.” This assertion is supported by a significant reduction in crime rates, making Mexico City a standout choice for the international event.
Mexico City is set to host the inaugural match of the World Cup on June 11, featuring a clash between the national teams of Mexico and South Africa. The tournament, co-organized by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, will bring together teams from 48 countries, with the final scheduled for July 19.
Crime Rates at a Historic Low
Mayor Brugada underpinned her statement by highlighting that 2025 concluded as the year with the fewest high-impact crimes in the Mexican capital since 2012. “We enter 2026 prepared to host the World Cup as the safest city. The data proves it, and we will also implement special strategies that we will announce in due course,” she stated in a press release.
According to Brugada, high-impact crimes decreased by 56% in 2025 compared to 2019, and by 12% relative to 2024. The daily average of such crimes fell from 131 in 2019 to 57 by the end of 2025.
Commitment to Continued Security
For 2026, the mayor emphasized the ongoing commitment to reducing crime and impunity, ensuring “a safe and peaceful city for its citizens.” She affirmed, “We are on the right track, and we will not let our guard down.”
Brugada further detailed that homicides decreased by 9% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Feminicides saw a significant reduction of 35% relative to 2024, dropping from 68 cases to 44 in 2025. “We are on the verge of eradicating impunity in feminicides,” she asserted, noting that 42 of the 44 cases in 2025 have been brought to justice, though without specifying the legal status or if arrests have been made or reparations provided to victims.
César Cravioto, the Secretary of Government, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that 2025 was “a year of important advances in combating and, above all, preventing crime in Mexico City.”
World Cup Venues and Economic Impact
In addition to the capital, Mexico will host World Cup matches in the cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara. Mexico City alone will host four matches, with a total of 13 matches across the three Mexican host cities.
The economic benefits for Mexico from hosting the World Cup are projected to be substantial. The country could see economic gains of up to nearly 200 billion pesos (approximately 3.6 billion US dollars), tripling the economic spillover compared to previous estimates.
The city’s readiness for such a large-scale event is also reflected in its tourism sector. Mexico is expected to attract 500 million euros in investments through Fitur 2026, further boosting its economic outlook.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Prospects
The commitment to security is a continuous effort. Mexico and the U.S. are also following up on a security agenda after a call between Sheinbaum and Trump, indicating broader regional efforts to maintain peace and stability.
The focus on security, coupled with the economic opportunities presented by the World Cup, positions Mexico City as a prominent global destination. The authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that both residents and visitors can experience a safe and enjoyable environment during this historic event.
Source: EFE
