Mexican president responds on World Cup security after gunman opens fire at tourist site

April 23, 2026 Oliver Obel

Mexico is reviewing and strengthening its security strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a fatal shooting at a popular tourist landmark highlighted potential vulnerabilities.

The country, which will co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada, is preparing to receive large numbers of international visitors when the competition begins in June. The opening match is scheduled to take place in Mexico City.

According to reporting from Sportbible, a gunman carried out an attack on April 20 at the Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside the capital. A Canadian tourist was killed and several others were injured.

Officials said the attacker fired multiple shots, including at members of the National Guard stationed nearby, before taking his own life.

While authorities have described the incident as highly unusual for the historic site, it has prompted renewed focus on how well tourist areas and major event locations are protected.

Government acknowledges security shortcomings

President Claudia Sheinbaum said existing measures at the site were not sufficient to prevent the attack, while stressing that such violence had not previously occurred there.

“Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again,” she said, describing the shooting as an isolated case.

The incident comes against a broader backdrop of security concerns. Earlier this year, violence linked to organized crime intensified in some regions following reports surrounding the fate of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”

Expanded measures ahead of the tournament

Mexican authorities had already begun ramping up security planning for the World Cup, and the latest events are expected to accelerate those efforts.

Sheinbaum has held discussions with FIFA officials to assess readiness across host cities Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey where matches will be played.

Plans include deploying tens of thousands of security personnel nationwide, alongside increased aerial surveillance and a stronger presence of military forces around stadiums, transport routes and airports.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence in Mexico’s preparations, stating that organizers trust local authorities to ensure safety throughout the tournament.

Mexico is due to host 13 matches as part of the expanded 104-game competition. Although officials maintain that preparations are on track, the recent shooting has sharpened attention on the challenge of safeguarding both everyday tourist destinations and major global events.

Source: Sportbible