Mexico's World Cup celebrations dampened by cartel violence

While Mexico's host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey—buzz with outdoor fan zones and street parties for the 2026 World Cup, many regions plagued by cartel activity experience the tournament in fear. Residents of Michoacán, a state with intense criminal competition, say they stay indoors; one lime grower reported cartels launching explosives from drones during matches. In Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, diners report barely filled tables and customers rushing home after games, fearing renewed violence. Business owner José Miguel Taniyama noted that the World Cup has not revived sales after a two‑year economic slump that cost roughly 60,000 jobs in the state. In Poza Rica on the Gulf coast, streets remained empty after Mexico’s match against North Korea, and local entrepreneur Guillermo Núñez said recent killings of two journalists have erased the desire to celebrate publicly. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizes a positive message, highlighting the deployment of over 100,000 Mexican security forces and describing the nation as “super happy” with the tournament.