Mexico Proved Strong and Capable of Protecting Visitors During World Cup: Defense Secretary

Mexico showcased its strength and hospitality to the international community by successfully ensuring the safety of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo. He stated that 'Plan Kukulkán,' the security strategy implemented for the event, achieved results that extended beyond mere competition safety. "Mexico showed the international community the face of a strong, responsible, and hospitable country, fully capable of organizing world-class events and protecting those who visit it," Trevilla Trejo declared.

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Mexico showed the international community the face of a strong, responsible, and hospitable country, fully capable of organizing world-class events and protecting those who visit it.

Speaking at an event in Santa Lucía, State of Mexico, Trevilla Trejo extended recognition to the numerous individuals from various institutions who played a crucial role in the plan's success. He emphasized that beyond the sporting outcomes, Mexicans demonstrated unity, hospitality, and national pride, proving that their cultural richness and love for their homeland are distinguishing values. "We showed that our cultural wealth, traditions, and love for our homeland are values that distinguish us," he stated.

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Therefore, I want to give a well-deserved recognition to the women and men of all institutions who joined decisively from their respective areas of competence, allowing for effective coordination to achieve the objectives set in Plan Kukulkán.

The Defense Secretary highlighted the collective effort, discipline, and professionalism that materialized Plan Kukulkán, underscoring the robustness of Mexico's institutions. He noted that the plan demonstrated that Mexican society unites when the country needs it, and that its Armed Forces and institutions are staffed by individuals willing to serve with honor for the nation's greatness.

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Beyond the sporting results left by this World Cup, Mexicans gave a lesson in unity, hospitality, and national pride; we demonstrated that our cultural wealth, traditions, and love for our homeland are values that distinguish us.

Plan Kukulkán, implemented from January 17, 2025, to July 19, 2026, involved significant resources. Approximately 20,734 personnel from the Army, Air Force, and National Guard were deployed. The operation utilized 1,474 vehicles and 25 Air Force aircraft. Additionally, 150 specially trained dogs were employed for detecting explosives and narcotics. Joint task forces were organized in major host cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with support groups in secondary locations such as Cancún, Pachuca, and Tijuana.

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But above any international recognition, it became clear that we are a society that knows how to unite when the country needs it, a people who find in their Armed Forces and their institutions women and men willing to serve with honor and give their all for the greatness of Mexico.