Mexico to deploy 100,000 security personnel for World Cup

There is less than 100 days until the start of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States World Cup co-hosts Mexico have announced plans to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect fans at this summer's tournament, amid ongoing drug cartel violence in the country. Mexico, hosts alongside the United States and Canada, will stage World Cup fixtures across three cities - including Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco where the violence began last month and more than 12,000 people are reported missing. Mexico will also host matches in Mexico City and Monterrey, both spared by the violence, when the World Cup is held between 11 June and 19 July. The Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, one of the country's most feared criminal organisations, has engaged in gun shootouts with the Mexican military, blocked roads and burned vehicles in response to the killing of its leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - known as 'El Mencho' - in an army operation. El Mencho was Mexico's most wanted man and was also sought by the United States, which had placed a $15m bounty on him. He was buried on Monday in a cemetery near the military base in Zapopan. On Friday, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum presented her plan to ensure the safe staging of the World Cup. Fifa and Sheinbaum have insisted that the violence will have no impact on the World Cup, when millions of visitors are expected. Mexico's 'Plan Kukulkan', named after the serpent deity of the Mayan civilisation, covers the host cities and their nearby tourist destinations and will oversee a security deployment of "just over 99,000 personnel", according to the head of Mexico's World Cup co-ordination centre, Roman Villalvazo Barrios. That figure includes 20,000 military personnel and 55,000 police officers, as well as members of private security companies, and involves around 2,500 military and civilian vehicles, 24 aircraft, anti-drone systems, and dogs trained to detect explosives and other substances. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has said he feels "very reassured" that Mexico can still successfully stage World Cup games. The opening match of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa will be in Mexico City. If the Republic of Ireland come through the World Cup play-offs later this month, they would face South Korea in their first match in Guadalajara and hosts Mexico in Mexico City in another group game. European champions Spain face Uruguay in another group match in Guadalajara, while Mexico will also host two last-32 matches and a last-16 tie. Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone 'Slot needs something to keep him in a job' - could the FA Cup be it? Ireland deny spirited Wales to keep hopes alive Who's to blame for Spurs crisis? Jessie Buckley on The Bride! and Oscar nominated Hamnet The Nations Pod Guide puts Rome in the centre The Mitford sisters refuse to play by the rules The highlights of Piano Room Month 2026 with Vernon Kay Who is to blame for Spurs' chaotic descent towards relegation? Can Scotland's risk takers prevent Grand Slam procession for France? 'We should not have played' - how tennis was caught in Middle East conflict Winter Paralympics daily guide: 12 golds to be decided on Saturday 'Howard Webb, where are you?' - How we can stop VAR ruining football McCullum and Key look set to retain ECB support Borthwick banks on bibs to beat Italy and ease brewing crisis India reach T20 World Cup final as England fall short. Video India reach T20 World Cup final as England fall short Norris, Verstappen, Russell - and will it be any good? Key F1 storylines How relegation could cost Spurs more than £250m Meet GB's first female Paralympic snowboarder Watershed moment as Russia's sporting exile ends All you need to know about new F1 cars 'I cheated head-injury assessment to play on in 2017 Lions Test' 'I knew the risks, I'd do it again' - Moody opens up in new BBC documentary New era of Formula 1 - what is changing in 2026? 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby' Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.