U.S. Embassy Issues Travel Advisory for World Cup Visitors in Mexico

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued a warning to American tourists traveling to the country for the World Cup. The event, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will take place from June 11 to July 19 and includes thirteen games in Mexico.

Safety risks in Mexico can differ significantly by region. The U.S. State Department has therefore designated individual travel advisories for each Mexican state. Travelers planning to attend World Cup games are advised to check these advisories and take appropriate precautions.

Monterrey, located in Nuevo León, will host four games at the Estadio Monterrey. Estadio Guadalajara in Jalisco will also host four matches. Five additional games will be held at the Mexico City Stadium in the capital. Although Mexico City is not part of a state, it has its own State Department advisory.

Mexico has deployed close to 100,000 troops in the host cities to ensure safety. Travelers to Mexico City and Nuevo León should exercise increased caution. Tourists in Mexico City need to be vigilant due to potential threats from terrorism and crime. Criminal groups, including cartels and gangs, pose risks, and tourists may become crime targets.

Staying in popular tourist areas and remaining cautious, particularly at night, is recommended. In Nuevo León, visitors should be aware of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risks. Armed robberies and carjackings have been reported on Highways 85/85D, 54, and 40/40D, particularly after dark.

Travelers driving from the U.S. border to Monterrey should exercise caution when passing through Coahuila or Tamaulipas. Tamaulipas carries a severe “do not travel” warning from the State Department.

The southern state of Jalisco is under a “reconsider travel” advisory. Threats from terrorism, crime, and kidnapping persist, aggravated by conflicts between criminal organizations in tourist zones. These disputes have previously jeopardized visitors, sometimes resulting in fatalities.

In February 2026, a cartel leader known as “El Mencho” was killed during an operation in Jalisco, resulting in over 70 deaths, including 25 National Guard members. Jalisco also bears the brunt of Mexico’s missing persons crisis.