Mexico City, March 6 – The Mexico City government, led by Clara Brugada, announced a substantial reduction in high-impact crimes ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which kicks off with the Mexico-South Africa match on June 11. During a press conference held on Wednesday, Brugada highlighted significant improvements in public safety metrics.
Crime Statistics Show Positive Trend
From January 1 to February 28, 2026, high-impact crimes in Mexico City decreased by 8% compared to the same period in 2025. This represents a remarkable 70% reduction when compared to 2019. Homicides alone saw a 22% decrease in February 2026 compared to February 2025, and a 56% decrease from the 2019 figures.
“We have managed to reduce the daily average of homicides. In February, we recorded 1.8 homicides per day, which is less than 2 homicides. This is the best result since the beginning of this administration, a figure not reached since 2022, which was the year with the greatest decrease in crimes across the city,” Brugada stated during the press conference.
The Head of Government also addressed the issue of vehicle theft, both with and without violence, which has been a priority for the security cabinet. In February, 359 cases were registered, marking a 28% decrease compared to 2025 and nearly a 70% reduction from 2019. “When our government began in December 2024, there were 23 vehicle thefts per day. We have reduced that to 13 thefts per day in February of this year, meaning a 43% decrease during this government. If we analyze violent vehicle theft, it has decreased even more significantly, by 44% compared to 2025. This reduction in high-impact crimes is very important. Yesterday, I reported that crimes decreased in all boroughs compared to 2025 and 2024, meaning our security strategy is working well,” Brugada added.
Inter-Borough Coordination for World Cup Readiness
Clara Brugada Molina also led the installation of the Coordination Cabinet for Boroughs and the Mexico City Government in preparation for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. This meeting brought together the 16 mayors of the capital with the aim of strengthening inter-institutional coordination across various sectors, including infrastructure, security, mobility, tourism, and citizen services, in anticipation of the world’s largest sporting event.
“The eyes of the world will be on us. Mexico has gastronomy, history, culture, and art, but above all, we have ourselves, the Mexicans, who know how to coordinate to make things happen,” expressed Gutiérrez, who emphasized that with 200 million people watching, “this is our great opportunity to show that Mexico is the world’s great tourism hub.”
Brugada highlighted that the CDMX government is working collaboratively with the boroughs to prepare the city for the World Cup, emphasizing that these efforts are part of a long-term vision to improve services and infrastructure not only for visitors but also for residents.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Infrastructure and Public Services: This includes water and drainage works, preventative measures for the rainy season, and ensuring basic services citywide. Additionally, there are plans for paving approximately 250 km of streets, renovating schools and sports courts, modernizing the Light Rail with new trains, and improving Metro Line 2. The Historic Center will also see illumination and video mapping. Over 2,000 public market improvements and public space recoveries are underway.
- Government and Security: Integrated security strategies involve over 90,000 police officers deployed across the city. Coordination with the Secretariat of Citizen Security aims to protect both residents and visitors. Special operations are planned before, during, and after each event, with aerial and ground surveillance. A specific security program for the Historic Center will be announced soon, along with reinforced surveillance in key areas like the stadium and high-traffic tourist zones.
- Mobility: Preparation of road infrastructure for intense vehicular flow and rainy seasons is crucial. Traffic management in strategic areas, including around the stadium and main avenues, will be implemented. Technological tools providing information in multiple languages will enhance the experience for visitors and residents. Coordination with the transport sector will ensure efficient access to stadiums and tourist areas during the World Cup.
- Tourism and Commercial Attention: Promoting Mexico City’s rich cultural, gastronomic, and historical offerings is a priority. Restoration and enhancement of emblematic attractions such as Xochimilco, the Basilica of Guadalupe, Garibaldi, Zona Rosa, and the Zócalo are planned. Coordinated programs to organize businesses, markets, and street vendors will focus on high-traffic areas. Efforts are also being made to recover public spaces and improve the urban environment in various boroughs.
- Sports and Cultural Activities: Football festivals will be held across the city to promote sports culture. Community children’s tournaments and local sporting events are scheduled before the World Cup. On March 15, “the world’s largest football class” will take place with participation from all boroughs. Events like a World Cup bike ride and human mosaics will foster citizen participation. A grand football festival is planned for the Zócalo as part of the pre-international event activities.
Brugada affirmed that the establishment of this Cabinet underscores Mexico City’s commitment to coordinating territorial efforts to provide security, infrastructure, and quality services to residents and visitors during the World Cup season.
Source: Infobae
