Mexico launches the largest security operation in its history in preparation for the World Cup

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the launch of a comprehensive and unprecedented security strategy called the “Kukulkan Plan” dedicated to securing the 2026 World Cup, in a move aimed at dispelling international fears and restoring confidence in stadium security.

This official announcement came during a press conference held in the city of Guadalajara, reported by the BBC, in which General Roman Vialevazo Barrios, head of the World Cup Coordination Center, participated, where details of a huge security arsenal that will protect the most prominent football event were revealed.

The plan depends on the deployment of approximately 100,000 security personnel, representing a mixture of military forces, the National Guard (20,000 personnel), and police forces (55,000 personnel), in addition to thousands of contractors from private security companies.

The plan is not limited to the human element only, but extends to include intensive technical and air cover, as more than 2,100 military vehicles will be distributed in the host cities, supported by 24 military aircraft for air surveillance, robots, and a fleet of 33 drones to monitor stadiums and fan areas around the clock.

These broad military movements come as a direct response to the state of anxiety that prevailed in sports circles in February 2026, following a wave of violence that followed the killing of “El Mencho,” the leader of the “Jalisco New Generation” cartel.

Through the “Kukulkan Plan”, Mexico seeks to send a decisive message to the world that it is capable of controlling the field and creating the appropriate climate to receive millions of fans and international delegations participating in the tournament.