Mexico City Declares Itself Safer for World Cup After Crime Reduction

Mexico City is welcoming the 2026 World Cup with a declaration of increased safety, as high-impact crimes have seen an 8% reduction in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Head of Government Clara Brugada asserted that the city is now "safer, better prepared, and with a stronger police force, prepared and close to the citizens."

During the May 2026 security report presentation, Brugada highlighted that fewer than 50 high-impact crimes are committed daily. This represents a 33% decrease from the start of her administration, when the daily average was 74 crimes. She emphasized that the current security strategy prevents approximately 100 families each day from suffering violent robbery, assault, or other life-altering crimes.

Homicides also saw a notable decrease, falling by 8.8% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the previous year. The city's security forces have been active in combating organized crime, successfully dismantling 41 criminal cells between January and May. In May alone, the Mexico City Attorney General's Office (FGJ-CDMX) arrested two criminal leaders and five cell operators.

Since the current administration took office, a total of 10,897 people have been arrested for high-impact crimes in the capital, according to Pablo Vázquez Camacho, Secretary of Citizen Security. The city administration frames these security improvements as a direct benefit to residents and a positive environment for hosting major international events like the World Cup.