Less than three months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico is beginning to secure its security in an unusual way: with direct support from an elite unit of the U.S. Army. About 35 U.S. military personnel are expected to enter the country to participate in joint exercises focused on preparing for high-risk scenarios during the World Cup. This program, named "FIFA World Cup 2026 Training and VITAL ARCHER Exercise," would take place between April and May, just weeks before the tournament begins. What is the objective? The training would not only be aimed at the Army, but also at the Navy, National Guard, and other security agencies, reflecting the magnitude of the operation planned for the host cities. The goal is to strengthen the capacity to respond to threats such as terrorism, riots, or emergencies that could endanger fans and international delegations. This move is part of a broader Mexican government strategy to ensure security during the planet's most important sporting event. Under the "Kukulkan Plan," authorities seek to coordinate efforts between different institutions and raise protection standards to international levels. It is worth noting that this type of collaboration is not unprecedented, but it does generate debate due to the participation of foreign forces on national soil. However, the main objective focuses on knowledge exchange and improving the operational capabilities of the Mexican Armed Forces, which are responsible for ensuring internal security and protecting the population. Thus, heading towards the 2026 World Cup, Mexico is not only preparing on the football field but also on the security front, betting on international cooperation to avoid any crisis scenario during the world championship. According to information revealed by ESPN, the federal government has pushed a plan that contemplates the temporary arrival of U.S. military elements with the objective of training Mexican armed forces in advanced security tactics. The initiative was sent to the Senate for analysis and was requested by President Claudia Sheinbaum herself.
