Mexico Tightens Security Ahead of World Cup Over Colombian Mercenary Concerns
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, authorities in Guadalajara are ramping up security measures amid concerns that criminal networks could exploit the global tournament.
Officials in Jalisco state, where Guadalajara is located, say intelligence reports suggest that some Colombian nationals with military backgrounds may attempt to enter Mexico and seek work with local cartels. According to Roberto Alarcón, Jalisco’s General Coordinator for Strategic Security, individuals with combat training — including experience in explosives, firearms, and tactical operations — are being targeted for recruitment by organized crime groups.
“Some people have arrived to be recruited by the cartels,” Alarcón told AFP, noting that their specialized skills make them attractive to criminal organizations operating in the region.
Authorities have already denied entry to several Colombians who were unable to provide clear or legitimate reasons for their visit. Security agencies are particularly wary that tourism packages tied to the World Cup could be used as a cover for entry into Guadalajara a major tournament venue that has long grappled with violence, disappearances, and the discovery of clandestine graves.
Guadalajara is set to host four World Cup matches, including Mexico’s second group-stage clash against South Korea on June 18. Tens of thousands of international fans are expected to flood the city during the month-long competition.
To safeguard the event, officials are deploying more than 2,000 surveillance cameras, drones, and specialized anti-drone systems, alongside reinforced air and ground patrols. Local authorities are also coordinating closely with federal agencies to monitor suspicious movements and prevent criminal activity before it disrupts the tournament.
Security experts say broader regional dynamics may be contributing to the trend. Following the 2017 demobilization of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and reductions in military spending, some former combatants have sought opportunities abroad. In various global conflict zones, trained ex-soldiers have reportedly been involved in advanced operations, including drone warfare and improvised explosive device construction.
Jalisco officials stress that their primary goal is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. “Guadalajara is unfortunately a place of interest for certain criminals who try to operate here,” Alarcón said, adding that law enforcement agencies are determined to prevent any attempt to use the World Cup as a shield for illegal activities.
With kickoff scheduled for June 2026, Guadalajara is balancing preparations for one of the world’s biggest sporting events with intensified efforts to counter complex and evolving security threats.
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