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Mexico official guarantees security for Korean team, supporters during World Cup

Published: 12 Mar. 2026, 17:35

Mauro Garza, strategic coordinator for economic development and growth for the Mexican state of Jalisco, poses for a photo after an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul on March 12. [YONHAP]

With Korea gearing up for FIFA World Cup matches in Mexico amid safety concerns, a state official from the North American country on Thursday pledged robust security during the big tournament this summer.

Mauro Garza, strategic coordinator for economic development and growth for the western state of Jalisco, said "special security plans" will be in place during the June 11 to July 19 tournament for visiting teams and fans alike. Mexico will co-host the competition with the United States and Canada.

Jalisco has been experiencing heightened risks in recent weeks following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in a February army operation. In response to his death, members of Oseguera's cartel blocked roads and torched vehicles and businesses across the nation. Some 70 people were killed during the operation and in subsequent clashes between security forces and cartel gunmen.

This development has raised concerns that Guadalajara, the state capital of Jalisco, could lose World Cup matches it is set to host, including two Group A matches for Korea, though FIFA has quickly dispelled them.

"The presidential office will launch special security programs to ensure safety for visitors to our state during the World Cup," Garza told Yonhap News Agency during his visit to Seoul, noting that violent clashes have been regional and that the security authorities have handled the aftermath quite well.

"These plans will cover not just Guadalajara, but other cities like Monterrey and Mexico City," Garza said. "I think once people visit, they will see for themselves that their safety will be guaranteed."

Garza said Jalisco's experience in successfully hosting major international events should come in handy during the World Cup.

"In our state, teams handling security, logistics and tourism have been working together for years to prepare for the World Cup," Garza said. "We are devising plans to ensure that national team athletes will reach their stadiums safely."

Korea will play out of Group A, alongside Mexico, South Africa and a European playoff winner to be determined later this month.

Coached by Hong Myung-bo, Korea will open their tournament against the European team on June 11 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and then face Mexico at the same venue seven days later. Their final Group A match will be against South Africa in Monterrey on June 24.

Asked to predict the result of the Korea-Mexico showdown, Garza laughed and said, "I hope that the two best teams in the group will qualify for the knockout stage together."

Pressed further for a score, Garza offered, "I think Mexico will win 2-1."

Yonhap