05.03.2026 17:31
Mexican journalist Emiliana Gomez argued that security concerns for fans at the FIFA 2026 World Cup are exaggerated. Pointing out that the real issue lies in the United States, Gomez said, "They talk about the cartel incident in Guadalajara, but there is no mention of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is also a problem that needs to be addressed before the World Cup."
Mexican journalist Emiliana Gomez argues that security concerns for fans at the FIFA 2026 World Cup are exaggerated.
The violence that began with the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," has led to chaos in the country.
The escalation of cartel violence just months before the country hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also been closely monitored in the football world.
Speaking to an AA reporter about the recent events in her country, Emiliana Gomez, who works for the Mexican media outlet "El Sueno Europeo," emphasized that while the presence of drug cartels is a problem, the extra security measures taken will ensure that fans do not face any security issues.
Living in Mexico City, Gomez stated, "I know that ensuring security is difficult and frightening for some people, but the country will be able to put everything in order, and the World Cup will not be affected by this political situation. This is something Mexico has been struggling with for a long time; I do not think it poses a significant security risk."
Gomez noted that the Mexican government has taken extra and special security measures for the World Cup organization, stating that while risks always exist, she believes her country will do a good job.
"WHY IS ONLY MEXICO IN THE SPOTLIGHT?"
Gomez emphasized that there are many issues in the other host countries, the USA and Canada, but it is malicious to only highlight the problems occurring in Mexico, asking, "Why are only the issues in Mexico being kept in the spotlight?" She stated that they will work in cooperation with FIFA to ensure that nothing extreme happens.
The Mexican journalist said, "For example, when Brazil hosted the 2014 World Cup, there were doubts about security in the global public opinion, but in the end, Brazil organized one of the best World Cup events." Gomez noted that fans coming to Mexico should be calm but cautious.
PROBLEMS WILL BE SOLVED IN COOPERATION
Gomez pointed out that the international media has unnecessarily highlighted cartel violence, stating that any potential issues will be resolved in cooperation with security units from Mexico, Canada, and the USA alongside FIFA.
The Mexican journalist noted that the international media continuously brings up the killing of drug cartel leader El Mencho during an operation by the Mexican army in Guadalajara, while no one talks about the operations targeting immigrants by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the USA.
Gomez stated, "They talk about the cartel incident in Guadalajara, but there is no mention of ICE; ICE is also an issue that needs to be resolved before the World Cup."
Gomez conveyed that officials working on the World Cup organization in her country are doing their best, saying, "For example, the airport in Mexico City is not in good condition, but there is intense work being done to solve this issue; fighting to resolve such problems unites us as a people."
Gomez emphasized that the most distinctive feature that separates this tournament from others is that it will be held with the participation of 48 teams for the first time, stating that this will provide a unique experience for football fans.
Noting that football is followed by large crowds in Mexico and that teams have passionate fans, Gomez continued:
"This World Cup will be fantastic, and it will be great that some countries will play in three different countries; it will be a unique experience. Mexico lives for football and dies for football."
Gomez mentioned that Mexico has successfully advanced from the group stage many times in its history, adding that she expects her country to at least play in the Round of 16.