Cancún, Quintana Roo — Authorities have deployed 9,270 security and emergency personnel across all 11 municipalities of Quintana Roo as part of a special operation to protect residents and visitors during what is expected to be one of the busiest tourist seasons in the state’s history.
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa launched the Summer World Cup Security Operation 2026 at Malecón Tajamar, highlighting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a historic opportunity for Quintana Roo. Cancún has become a key hub for national and international fans arriving in Mexico for the tournament.
“Cancún will be an entry hub so that all those tourists who want to enjoy the World Cup — maybe the whole family comes, but not everyone goes to the matches — have a place to move from; arrive in Cancún and from here connect to all the World Cup host cities. We are the only airport, Cancún Airport, that has connectivity with all 16 World Cup host cities,” the governor said.
The state expects between 980,000 and 1.2 million additional visitors during the World Cup period, generating significant economic benefits and job creation.
The operation, developed over nearly a year, involves coordinated efforts among federal, state, and municipal authorities, the Mexican Army, Navy, National Guard, civil protection, and emergency services. It is aligned with the national security plan Kukulcán, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum through the Public Security Secretariat led by Omar García Harfuch.
State Public Security Secretary Julio César Gómez Torres said the operation includes continuous monitoring from the C5 security complex, as well as reinforced surveillance on beaches, highways, airports, hotel zones, and strategic tourist corridors.
The federal deployment includes 1,695 National Guard personnel, 594 Navy personnel, and 463 Army personnel. The state is contributing 2,354 officers, and municipal police forces are providing 4,168 personnel. These are reinforced by specialists from the National Immigration Institute, civil protection, firefighters, lifeguards, Red Cross, and Green Angels tourist assistance service.
Intelligent surveillance includes drones for aerial monitoring, supported by experts operating from the state C5 centers and municipal command and control centers.
Governor Lezama emphasized that Quintana Roo has solid institutions, specialized protocols, technological tools, and coordination mechanisms to ensure safety and confidence for visitors to the Mexican Caribbean during the international sporting event.
One such measure is the Protocol for Detection, Care, and Referral of Cases for the Safeguarding of Children and Adolescents in Mass Events, designed to strengthen the protection of minors during large gatherings.
The launch event was attended by members of the State Security Board, including Brigadier General Fidel Mondragón Rivero, commander of the 34th Military Zone; Navy Captain Carlos Montiel Sánchez, chief of staff of the 5th Marine Infantry Brigade; National Guard Colonel Julio César Cuenca Estrella; state deputy Jorge Sanén Cervantes; Magistrate Fabián Azael Gamboa Song; and Benito Juárez municipal secretary Pablo Gutiérrez Fernández.
