The Mexican government, through the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar Garcia Harfuch, announced Plan Kukulcan to guarantee the safety of attendees at the next World Cup as a reaction to the violence following the fall of Nemesio Diez. Oseguera Cervantes “El Mencho.”

“Designed to guarantee protection before, during, and after this international event, Plan Kukulcan is coordinated by the Mexican government and involves more than 20 federal agencies, as well as state and municipal authorities,” the official stated from Zapopan, Jalisco.

The announcement was made during Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum's morning press conference, where Mexico's security chief emphasized that this operation for the World Cup will utilize 100,000 police officers, National Guard members, Army and Air Force personnel, as well as aircraft and anti-drone systems; and includes international collaboration with the United States and Canada, with whom communication and operational planning mechanisms will be implemented to mitigate risks. “These actions include specialized training, planning and operational exercises, standardization of protocols, full-scale simulated exercises, continuous monitoring, and early warning systems that will guarantee safe conditions for the population and the millions of visitors,” noted the head of the Mexican nation's security cabinet. What does Plan Kukulcan consist of? At the same event, Army General Roman Villalvazo Barrios explained that just over 99,000 troops will be deployed to protect Mexico City (CDMX), Guadalajara, and Monterrey, the host cities for the World Cup. This official also detailed that three joint task forces will be created at the Coordination Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one in each host city. as well as seven additional groups at alternate locations where the national teams are expected to train.

These forces will be comprised of approximately 20,000 members of the Armed Forces, with participation from the National Guard, the Army, and the Air Force, in addition to more than 55,000 personnel from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, plus private security personnel, for a total deployment of more than 99,000 personnel.

The military official also specified that 88 canine units specializing in the detection of explosives and narcotics, mounted units, more than 2,100 military vehicles, 378 civilian vehicles for escort, and 24 aircraft will participate.

Federal personnel will coordinate “security cordons” around strategic facilities such as airports, hotels, training centers, stadiums, and festival areas for fans.