The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is warning American tourists heading to World Cup matches to check local safety advisories before they travel. The alert comes as Mexico prepares to host 13 games during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
Mexico is sharing hosting duties with the U.S. and Canada, but the embassy said safety risks can vary sharply by region. That means travelers should not treat the country as one single security picture, especially if they plan to move between host cities.
What travelers need to know
According to the embassy, each Mexican state has its own U.S. State Department travel advisory. The advice is especially important for fans planning to attend games in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.
| Host city | Security note |
|---|---|
| Monterrey, Nuevo León | Exercise increased caution; risks include terrorism, crime and kidnapping. |
| Guadalajara, Jalisco | Reconsider travel; terrorism, crime and kidnapping are cited threats. |
| Mexico City | Exercise increased caution; travelers are warned about terrorism and crime. |
Monterrey will host four games at Estadio Monterrey, while Guadalajara will also host four at Estadio Guadalajara. Five more matches are set for Mexico City Stadium in the capital, which is an autonomous region and still has its own State Department ranking.
Where the warnings are strongest
In Mexico City, the State Department says tourists should stick to popular areas and be extra cautious at night. It warns that terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and other criminal organizations may pose a threat, and that visitors could become targets of crime.
Nuevo León carries similar concerns, and the State Department says travelers should avoid driving on Highways 85/85D, 54 and 40/40D after dark because of armed robberies and carjackings. Visitors driving from the U.S. border to Monterrey are also told to be careful when passing through Coahuila or Tamaulipas.
Tamaulipas has the strongest warning level, with a “do not travel” advisory from the State Department. That makes border-area routing especially important for anyone planning a trip to Monterrey by car.
Jalisco remains a major concern
Jalisco is the only host state where U.S. citizens are told to reconsider travel, and the warning reflects persistent risks tied to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. The embassy note also points to clashes between terrorist groups, cartels and other criminal organizations in tourist areas that have endangered bystanders in the past.
www.cbsnews.com previously reported that Mexico’s government said nearly 100,000 troops would be deployed to help guarantee security in the three host cities. The extra presence underscores how closely the country is watching the tournament as crowds begin to arrive.
Jalisco has also seen severe violence linked to cartel activity, including an operation to capture cartel leader “El Mencho” that led to his death in February 2026. The state is also described as the one most affected by Mexico’s missing persons crisis.
