Estadio Akron (Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico) FIFA World Cup 26 Threat Assessment

1. OVERVIEW

• Date Assessment Prepared: November 10, 2025 
• Data Coverage Period: September 2023 – September 2025 
• Stadium Location: Estadio Akron 
• Transit Hub Location: Estadio Chivas Bus Station 
• Host City: Zapopan (Guadalajara Metropolitan Area), Mexico

Methodology Disclaimer This assessment integrates Base Operations quantitative threat data with qualitative intelligence from open sources collected via deep research AI agents. Confidence levels reflect source reliability: High (government/Base Operations verified data), Medium (multiple corroborating sources), Low (single source/extrapolated). AI agents can provide incorrect or misleading information. To ensure up to date accuracy of stadium threat assessment, analyze the latest data in Base Operations.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Threat Environment Overview

Estadio Akron presents a MEDIUM BaseScore Risk Tier (BaseScore 56) based on historical crime patterns. The associated transit hub also presents a MEDIUM BaseScore Risk Tier (BaseScore 47). While the quantitative baseline indicates a moderate threat environment, the qualitative risk remains elevated due to the operational presence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the Zapopan municipality. The threat landscape is characterized by persistent opportunistic property crime and targeted organized crime operations focusing on transportation nodes.

Base Operations Key Findings

• BaseScore: 56 (Stadium) | 47 (Transit Hub).
• Trend: -1% Monthly (Stadium) | 0% Monthly (Transit Hub).
• Dominant Threat: Vehicle Theft is the primary threat vector, accounting for 37% of stadium incidents and 50% of transit hub incidents.
• Temporal Patterns: Validated data indicates a heavy concentration of violent crime (100% of categorized incidents) during morning hours (06:00-12:00 local time).

Strategic Takeaways

• Organized Crime Control: CJNG maintains territorial control. While a "tacit truce" regarding high-profile violence is expected during the tournament, the cartel exploits high-visibility events for illicit revenue (extortion, trafficking).
• Transportation Vulnerability: The high concentration of vehicle thefts at the transit hub validates this as a critical chokepoint. Executive motorcades face elevated risks of carjacking and interdiction.
• Protective Posture: The threat environment necessitates armored transport for all executive movements and vetted local personnel to mitigate insider threats.

Top Threats

• Organized Crime & Cartel Activity: High Confidence.
• Transit-Related Opportunistic Crime (Vehicle Theft): High Confidence.
• Virtual Kidnapping & Extortion: High Confidence.
• Endemic Health Risk (Dengue Fever): High Confidence.

3. EVENT SNAPSHOT

Event Details

• Event: FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026.
• Attendance: Projected 4 million visitors nationally.
• Venue Capacity: 49,813 (Outdoor).

Significance & Context The tournament represents a high-profile global event hosting multiple VIPs, corporate executives, and government officials. The concentration of high-net-worth individuals creates a target-rich environment for financial crimes and extortion schemes within CJNG territory.

4. AREA & INFRASTRUCTURE OVERVIEW

Geographic Setting Estadio Akron is located in the El Bajío district of Zapopan, approximately 9 miles northwest of Guadalajara’s historic center. The stadium is situated within the JVC Complex, adjacent to the La Primavera biosphere reserve. This forested buffer zone limits southern approach options and introduces wildfire risks during the dry season (April-May).

Transportation Nodes

• Estadio Chivas Bus Station: Located 0.1 miles from the stadium entrance, this hub serves as the primary node for World Cup park-and-ride systems. Base Operations data identifies this as a high-risk zone for vehicle crimes.
• Primary Access: Avenida Vallarta (0.3 miles away) serves as the main arterial route.
• Secondary Access: Periférico Norte ring road provides regional connectivity but offers multiple on/off-ramps that create surveillance exposure.
• Air: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is 11 miles southeast. Transit times can range from 25 minutes to over 90 minutes during congestion.

Commercial & Hospitality Infrastructure

• Shopping: Plaza Andares (1.2 miles) and Grand Plaza Fashion Mall (1.4 miles) are upscale centers likely to attract executive support staff and families. Shoplifting incidents are concentrated in these zones.
• Lodging: Limited infrastructure exists immediately adjacent to the venue. VIP lodging is concentrated in the Puerta de Hierro district (4-6 miles east) or Guadalajara center.

Emergency Services

• Medical: Hospital Puerta de Hierro (1.8 miles) offers trauma capabilities. Hospital San Javier (5.2 miles) is the designated higher-tier facility for VIPs.
• Law Enforcement: Operations involve the National Guard (federal) and Jalisco State Police. Coordination is managed through the C5 Escudo command center.

5. HISTORICAL INCIDENT REVIEW

Venue-Specific History

• March 2024 (Crowd Control): Estadio Akron received a one-match ban following a projectile incident where a spectator injured a player. This demonstrates potential lapses in internal security and screening protocols.
• Homicides (2023): Base Operations recorded 2 homicides within 1.5 miles of the stadium in October and November 2023. This confirms that lethal violence penetrates the venue perimeter despite Zapopan's reputation as a safer municipality.

Regional Precedents

• Querétaro Riots (March 2022): A riot at a Liga MX match resulted in 26 hospitalizations, highlighting systemic failures in Mexican stadium security and the capabilities of organized barras (fan groups).
• CJNG Narcobloqueos (August 2022): In retaliation for government raids, CJNG coordinated burning blockades across Guadalajara. This establishes the cartel’s capability to rapidly paralyze transportation networks, posing a risk of trapping executive motorcades.
• Pan American Games (2011): A cyber breach exposed personal data of accredited journalists, establishing a precedent for data compromise at major events in Guadalajara.

6. CURRENT THREAT LANDSCAPE

6.1 Crime Trends & Opportunistic Threats

Overview Base Operations validated threat intelligence covering September 2023 through September 2024 identifies 127 reported incidents within 1.5 miles of the stadium. The data reflects a stable threat environment with no significant month-over-month escalation.

‍

Vehicle Theft (Primary Threat) Vehicle theft is the dominant threat driver, accounting for 37% of all incidents at the stadium (47 events) and 50% of all incidents at the transit hub (7 events).

• Frequency: Consistent average of 4 incidents per month around the stadium.
• Tactics: CJNG utilizes spotters (halcones) at intersections to identify high-value vehicles. Mobile interdiction teams are capable of boxing in targets for carjacking.
• Relevance: The transit hub’s concentration of incidents confirms it as a high-risk node for logistics and support vehicles.

Property Crime Property crime dominates the landscape, with Theft (30 incidents) and Shoplifting (23 incidents) comprising a significant portion of activity.

• Targeting: Commercial zones like Plaza Andares are hotspots.
• Trend: Monthly property crime rates remain consistent (approx. 8-9 incidents), with no evidence of summer surges, suggesting the World Cup window falls in a historically stable period.

Violent Crime Violent crime represents a lower volume (12% of activity) but carries high severity.

• Incidents: 13 aggravated assaults and 2 homicides were recorded.
• Trend: Violent crime showed a decline in early 2024 (from ~3 incidents/month to ~1 incident/month), potentially indicating improved security operations or data collection shifts.
• Temporal Analysis: Base Operations data reveals that 79% of property crimes and 100% of categorized violent crimes in the dataset occurred during morning hours (06:00-12:00 local time). This suggests heightened risk during pre-match movements and venue reconnaissance.

‍

6.2 Terrorism & Extremism

International Terrorism There is no credible presence or intent from international terrorist organizations (Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hezbollah) in the region.

Domestic Extremism CJNG is a profit-driven criminal enterprise designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. government, but its motivations are financial and territorial rather than ideological. The primary risk is collateral violence or retaliation against government enforcement, rather than ideologically motivated terror attacks against the event itself.

6.3 Activist & Protest Activity

Local Grievances Environmental groups engaging in opposition to stadium expansion or development near the La Primavera forest may stage demonstrations.

• Tactics: Road blockades and human chains on Avenida Vallarta.
• Impact: Potential delays of 15-30 minutes.

Narco-Blockades (Narcobloqueos) While not traditional protests, these coordinated disruptions serve as a political signal from cartels.

• Trigger: High-profile arrests of cartel leadership.
• Impact: Burning vehicles blocking highways can cause delays of 45-90 minutes and trap secure movements.

6.4 Cyber & Information Risks

Virtual Kidnapping Sophisticated extortion schemes targeting foreign nationals are a high-confidence threat.

• Modus Operandi: Criminals utilize compromised hotel staff or logistics personnel to gather intelligence on guests. They then isolate the victim or contact family members claiming an abduction has occurred to solicit rapid ransom payments.
• Vulnerability: Past breaches (Pan Am Games 2011) confirm the vulnerability of accreditation systems.

7. THREAT ACTOR PROFILES

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

• Classification: Tier-1 Transnational Criminal Organization.
• Status: Dominant actor in Zapopan and the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area.
• Capabilities: Estimated 19,000 members, military-grade weaponry (RPGs, weaponized drones), and sophisticated intelligence networks (halcones).
• Intent: Primary goal is economic exploitation (drug sales, extortion, money laundering). CJNG is expected to observe a "tacit truce" with authorities to avoid federal crackdowns that would disrupt business, but they retain the capacity for extreme violence if challenged.
• Risk to VIPs: Direct targeting is low probability unless executives inadvertently enter operational spaces. The primary risks are opportunistic crime (carjacking) and virtual kidnapping.

Local Street Gangs

• Affiliation: Most operate under CJNG license or taxation.
• Activity: "Retail" crime including pickpocketing and mugging in commercial zones.
• Targeting: Support staff and executive families are soft targets in shopping districts.

8. KEY TAKEAWAYS

9.1 For Corporate Security Directors

• Enhanced Posture: The BaseScore of 56 indicates a MEDIUM risk environment. Standard business travel protocols may be insufficient.
• Transport Security: Vehicle theft accounts for up to 50% of incidents at transport nodes. Armored vehicles are mandatory for all executive movements.
• Temporal Planning: Morning hours (06:00-12:00) represent the highest documented risk for violent crime. Vary arrival times and utilize counter-surveillance detection routes during these windows.
• Insider Threat: Vetting of local drivers, hotel staff, and logistics coordinators is critical due to CJNG penetration of service sectors.
• Digital Hygiene: Assume all accreditation and hotel registration data is vulnerable. Brief personnel on virtual kidnapping protocols and establish duress codes.

9.2 For Security Analysts

• Intelligence Baseline: Integrate the Base Operations baseline (9-10 incidents/month) into monitoring. An increase to 15+ incidents/month for two consecutive months should trigger an alert.
• Trigger Monitoring: Monitor for high-profile cartel arrests in Jalisco during May-July 2026, as these are the most likely triggers for retaliatory narcobloqueos.
• Granularity: Focus monitoring on the specific 0.5-mile radius around executive hotels and the airport corridor, as broad city-wide statistics may mask hyper-local threats.
• Trend Validation: The sharp divergence between property crime (stable) and violent crime (declining) requires continuous verification to ensure violent crime is not being underreported.

9. APPENDICES

Appendix A: Acronyms

• AST: Advance Security Team
• C5: Command, Control, Communication, Computing, and Intelligence
• CJNG: Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación
• FTO: Foreign Terrorist Organization
• GDL: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport
• IED: Improvised Explosive Device
• OSAC: Overseas Security Advisory Council
• RSO: Regional Security Officer
• SDR: Surveillance Detection Route
• TSCM: Technical Surveillance Countermeasures

Appendix B: Key Contacts

• Mexican Federal Police: 911 (Emergency)
• Jalisco State Police (C5 Escudo): 089 (Anonymous Reporting)
• U.S. Consulate Guadalajara: Regional Security Office / Duty Officer
• Medical: Hospital Puerta de Hierro (Trauma); Hospital San Javier (VIP Care)
• FIFA Security Operations Center: [To be designated]

Appendix C: Methodology

Base Operations Data: This assessment relies on validated, standardized, and actionable threat intelligence provided by Base Operations covering the period September 30, 2023 - September 30, 2025. Base Operations data is updated monthly and includes:

• BaseScore calculations using severity-weighted incident aggregation
• Event count categorization by threat type
• Monthly trend analysis
• Temporal (time-of-day) pattern identification
• Geospatial analysis at 0.5-mile and 1.5-mile radii

Research Reports: Two comprehensive research reports provided contextual intelligence on historical security incidents, CJNG organizational structure, regional geopolitical factors, public health considerations, and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Analytical Standards: All analytic judgments include explicit confidence level assessments:

• High Confidence: Supported by Base Operations validated data AND multiple corroborating research sources.
• Medium Confidence: Supported by Base Operations data OR single credible research source.
• Low Confidence: Extrapolated analysis or unverified claims requiring further validation.

Appendix D: Data Limitations

Base Operations data current Data Coverage Period dates. Cyber threats not captured in Base Operations metrics. Private security incidents may be underreported. Historical patterns may not predict novel threat vectors. This assessment represents analysis current as of the Date Assessment Prepared. Threat conditions may evolve rapidly. Continuous monitoring through Base Operations and coordination with law enforcement partners is essential for maintaining situational awareness throughout the tournament period.

10. REFERENCES

1. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Akron Stadium Radius BaseScore Analysis (September 30, 2023 September 30, 2024)," accessed November 10, 2025.
2. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Akron Stadium Radius Event Count by Threat Category (September 30, 2023 September 30, 2024)," accessed November 10, 2025.
3. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Akron Stadium Radius Average Events by Month of Year (September 30, 2023 - September 30, 2024)," accessed November 10, 2025.
4. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Akron Stadium Radius Monthly Event Trend - Event Count & Average (September 30, 2023 September 30, 2024)," accessed November 10, 2025.
5. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Akron Stadium Radius Time of Day Breakdown - Primary Categories (September 30, 2023 - September 30, 2024)," accessed November 10, 2025.
6. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Akron Stadium BaseScore Hex Map Visualization," accessed November 10, 2025.
7. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Chivas Bus Station Radius Average Events by Month of Year (September 30, 2023 September 30, 2025)," accessed November 10, 2025.
8. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Chivas Bus Station Radius Event Count by Threat Category (September 30, 2023 - September 30, 2025)," accessed November 10, 2025.
9. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Chivas Bus Station Radius Monthly Event Trend Event Count & Average (September 30, 2023 - September 30, 2025)," accessed November 10, 2025.
10. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Chivas Bus Station Radius Time of Day Breakdown - Primary Categories (September 30, 2023 - September 30, 2025)," accessed November 10, 2025.
11. Base Operations Platform, "Estadio Chivas Bus Station BaseScore Hex Map Visualization," accessed November 10, 2025.
12. Wikipedia, "Estadio Akron," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estadio_Akron, accessed May 5, 2025.
13. Coliseum-Online, "Estadio Akron: Enthralling Experience for Fans," https://www.coliseum-online.com/estadio-akron-enthralling-experience-for-fans/, accessed May 5, 2025.
14. Rome2Rio, "Guadalajara Centro Station/Estadio Akron," https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Guadalajara-Centro-Station/Estadio-Akron, accessed May 5, 2025.
15. Chivas de Corazón, "Ahora es más fácil llegar al Estadio Akron," https://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/en/noticias/35578/Ahora-es-ms-fcil-llegar-al-Estadio-Akron, accessed May 5, 2025.
16. Goal.com, "Chivas match vs. Cruz Azul to be played without fans at Akron stadium due to sanctions for violence," https://www.goal.com/en-sa/lists/chivas-match-vs-cruz-azul-to-be-played-without-fans-at-akron-stadium-due-to-sanctions-for-violence/blt5bfc670309167e3a, accessed May 5, 2025.
17. Goal.com, "The Estadio Akron one-match ban, bottle-throwing incident, Chivas vs. América, Liga MX, closed doors," https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/the-estadio-akron-one-match-ban-bottle-throwing-incident-chivas-vs-america-liga-mx-closed-doors/blt6fd8b5be325f4cbd, accessed May 5, 2025.
18. Wikipedia, "Jalisco New Generation Cartel," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalisco_New_Generation_Cartel, accessed May 5, 2025.
19. Brookings Institution, "How Mexico's Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación rules," https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-mexicos-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-rules/, accessed May 5, 2025.
20. Reddit (r/Guadalajara), "Vivir en Guadalajara," https://www.reddit.com/r/Guadalajara/comments/1j886gl/vivir_en_guadalajara/?tl=en, accessed May 5, 2025.
21. IHS Markit, "Mexico Violent Crime Report Eleventh Edition," https://gruporaseg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IHS-Markits-Mexico-Violent-Crime-Report-Eleventh-Edition.pdf, accessed May 5, 2025.
22. U.S. Embassy Mexico, "2025 Trafficking in Persons Report: Mexico," https://mx.usembassy.gov/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report-mexico/, accessed May 5, 2025.
23. DEA, "2025 National Drug Threat Assessment," https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025National Drug ThreatAssessment.pdf, accessed May 5, 2025.
24. Daily Sabah, "As World Cup looms, Mexico's Jalisco faces glory, grief side by side," https://www.dailysabah.com/sports/football/as-world-cup-looms-mexicos-jalisco-faces-glory-grief-side-by-side, accessed May 5, 2025.
25. Mongabay, "Across Mexico, World Cup infrastructure threatens biodiversity and communities," https://news.mongabay.com/2024/07/across-mexico-world-cup-infrastructure-threatens-biodiversity-and-communities/, accessed May 5, 2025.
26. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, "US Warns Of 'Terrorism' Risk At World Cup Venues, Stadiums, Train Stations, Airports In Russia," https://www.rferl.org/a/us-warns-terrorism-risk-world-cup-venues-stadiums-train-stations-airports-russia/29292547.html, accessed May 5, 2025.
27. CTC West Point, "The Threat of Terrorism to the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa," https://ctc.westpoint.edu/the-threat-of-terrorism-to-the-2010-soccer-world-cup-in-south-africa/, accessed May 5, 2025.
28. Inside The Games, "Major scare in Guadalajara after phone hacking claim," https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/14675/major-scare-in-guadalajara-after-phone-hacking-claim, accessed May 5, 2025.
29. Rice University News, "Mexico Faces Democratic and Economic Crossroads, Baker Institute's Latest Mexico Country," https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/mexico-faces-democratic-economic-crossroads-baker-institutes-latest-mexico-country, accessed May 5, 2025.
30. Mexico News Daily, "Mexico's week in review: Specter of US intervention looms after a high-profile political assassination," https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/mexicos-week-in-review-specter-of-us-intervention-looms-after-a-high-profile-political-assassination/, accessed May 5, 2025.
31. Time and Date, "Memorial Day (Mexico)," https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/mexico/memorial-day, accessed May 5, 2025.
32. Wikipedia, "2026 in Mexico," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_Mexico, accessed May 5, 2025.
33. CKH ENC, "They warn that crime threatens the 2026 World Cup in Mexico," https://ckh.enc.edu/opinion/they-warn-that-crime-threatens-the-2026-world-cup-in-mexico/, accessed May 5, 2025.
34. U.S. Department of State, "Travel Advisory - Mexico," https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html, accessed May 5, 2025.
35. Sporting News, "Estadio Akron schedule, seat map, hotels, parking, bags World Cup Guadalajara," https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/estadio-akron-schedule-seat-map-hotels-parking-bags-world-cup-guadalajara/5a1a0401a4c3b3176404df38, accessed May 5, 2025.
36. Goal.com, "Estadio Akron stadium guide: history, stay," https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/estadio-akron-stadium-guide-history-stay/blt9c1efae0f6939183, accessed May 5, 2025.
37. R.S.D.I., "Securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Risks, Realities, and Mitigation in a Tricontinental Mega-Event," https://rsdi.ae/en/publications/securing-the-2026-fifa-world-cup-risks-realities-and-mitigation-in-a-tricontinental-mega-event, accessed May 5, 2025.
38. YouTube (Jalisco TV Noticias), "C5 Escudo Jalisco brindó capacitación a personal de seguridad del estadio Acron," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7h3QB46NJA, accessed May 5, 2025.
39. AP News, "As World Cup looms, Mexico's Jalisco faces glory, grief side by side," https://apnews.com/article/mexico-world-cup-2026-jalisco-cartel-violence-9cb1f127f8287cdd342bd8ecbfe4a1da, accessed May 5, 2025.
40. YouTube (KTSM 9 News), "2 'narco-banners' purportedly threaten Americans visiting or living in Mexico," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ddVZmz6ZiA, accessed May 5, 2025.
41. U.S. Department of the Treasury, "Treasury Targets Corrupt Mexican Drug Cartels and Their Global Networks," https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0224, accessed May 5, 2025.
42. FBI, "U.S. Citizens Threatened by Mexican Virtual Kidnapping Scheme," https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/us-citizens-threatened-by-mexican-virtual-kidnapping-scheme, accessed May 5, 2025.
43. Hyperion Services, "Americans Kidnapped in Mexico," https://hyperionservices.co/americans-kidnapped-in-mexico/, accessed May 5, 2025.
44. Travel Weekly, "Mexico has a grand plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup," https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/Mexico-has-a-grand-plan-for-the-2026-FIFA-World-Cup, accessed May 5, 2025.
45. The Flying Engineer, "2026 FIFA World Cup Set to Transform Mexico's Aviation," https://theflyingengineer.com/2026-fifa-world-cup-set-transform-mexicos-aviation/, accessed May 5, 2025.
46. U.S. Department of State, "Travel Advisory - United Mexican States (August 12, 2025)," https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html?, accessed May 5, 2025.
47. Dataminr, "Preparing for the 2026 World Cup Security Challenges," https://www.dataminr.com/resources/blog/preparing-for-the-2026-world-cup-security-challenges-and-how-to-tackle-them/, accessed May 5, 2025.
48. NPAV Blogs, "2026 FIFA World Cup: Escalating Cyber Threats Demand Cross-Border Security for Largest Tournament Yet," https://blogs.npav.net/blogs/post/2026-fifa-world-cup-escalating-cyber-threats-demand-cross-border-security-for-largest-tournament-yet, accessed May 5, 2025.
49. JD Supra, "Keeping An Eye On The Ball: Government Scrutiny of The 2026 World Cup," https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/keeping-an-eye-on-the-ball-government-8270940/, accessed May 5, 2025.
50. Global News, "Anonymous tipster claims Internet security breach at Pan American Games," https://globalnews.ca/news/169488/anonymous-tipster-claims-internet-security-breach-at-pan-american-games-2/, accessed May 5, 2025.
51. Mexico Business News, "Dengue Cases Surge in Latin America," https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/dengue-cases-surge-latin-america, accessed May 5, 2025.
52. New Weather, "FIFA Men's World Cup 2026 will be most polluting ever, and promote oil giant Aramco, new research," https://www.newweather.org/2025/07/09/fifa-mens-world-cup-2026-will-be-most-polluting-ever-and-promote-oil-giant-aramco-new-research/, accessed May 5, 2025.
53. Black Mountain Solutions, "Special Security Services Mexico VIP Protection Bodyguards and More," https://blackmountain-solutions.com/special-security-services-mexico-vip-protection-bodyguards-and-more/, accessed May 5, 2025.
54. Global Affairs Canada, "Travel Advice and Advisories: Mexico," https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico, accessed May 5, 2025.
55. Mongabay, "Across Mexico, World Cup infrastructure threatens biodiversity and communities (part 2)," https://news.mongabay.com/2024/07/across-mexico-world-cup-infrastructure-threatens-biodiversity-and-communities/, accessed May 5, 2025.
56. WGAU Radio, "World Cup hype and reality: As the global event looms, Jalisco faces glory and grief," https://www.wgauradio.com/news/world/world-cup-hype/6N5DLO3VDA427D2JUZ33KMJ5N4/, accessed May 5, 2025.
57. Fabiola Sánchez (Associated Press) via ABC News, "World Cup hype collides with the reality of cartel violence in Mexican state," ABC News, November 3, 2025, https://abcnews.go.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
58. Al Jazeera Staff, "Why has the US issued a 'terrorism' travel alert for Mexico?" Al Jazeera, August 14, 2025, https://aljazeera.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
59. CBS News / AP, "Drug cartels are sharply increasing use of bomb-dropping drones, Mexican army says," CBS News, August 23, 2023, https://cbsnews.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
60. Carlos Pacheco - Reuters, "Mexican soccer league suspends Queretaro matches after brawl injures 26 people," Reuters, March 7, 2022, https://reuters.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
61. Jonathan Watts - The Guardian, "Anti-World Cup protests in Brazilian cities mark countdown to kick-off," The Guardian, June 13, 2014, https://theguardian.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
62. Anmol Motwani - Mexico Business News, "Dengue Fever Cases Surge by Over 146% in Mexico in 2024," Mexico Business News (Health), November 19, 2024, https://mexicobusiness.news, accessed November 9, 2025.
63. Newsweek (Shane Croucher & Theo Burman), "Americans Warned Not to Use Dating Apps: What to Know," Newsweek, June 4, 2025, https://newsweek.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
64. Government of Canada - Travel Advisory, "Travel advice and advisories for Mexico," Travel.gc.ca, updated November 5, 2025, https://travel.gc.ca, accessed November 9, 2025.
65. Al Jazeera (News Agencies report), "Mexican drug cartel gunmen burn shops, cars to avenge arrests," Al Jazeera, August 11, 2022, https://aljazeera.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
66. Frida Tochimani - Players of Life (Guadalajara edition), "Estadio AKRON, listo para el México vs Ecuador: El ensayo OFICIAL para el Mundial 2026," Players of Life, October 13, 2025, https://playersoflife.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
67. Mexican National Guard / Jalisco Govt (via Quadratín Jalisco), "Implementarán operativo vial por México vs Ecuador en Estadio Akron," Quadratin Jalisco (News), October 10, 2025, https://jalisco.quadratin.com.mx, accessed November 9, 2025.
68. Jeff Ernst - Al Jazeera (English), "Mexico's Guadalajara gripped by gang violence and impunity," Al Jazeera, June 6, 2023, https://english.elpais.com, accessed November 9, 2025.
69. State Department - Country Reports on Terrorism 2022 (Mexico section), "No credible evidence indicated that international terrorist groups established bases in Mexico..." U.S. Department of State, published 2023, https://state.gov, accessed November 9, 2025.
70. Atlantic Council (event brief), "Road to FIFA 2026: Strengthening homeland resilience ahead of the World Cup," Atlantic Council - Adrienne Arsht Security Initiative, September 17, 2025, https://atlanticcouncil.org, accessed November 9, 2025.

Ground News (via Reuters), "Mexico sees drop in homicides in 2024 under new president," Ground.news summary, September 8, 2024, https://ground.news, accessed November 9, 2025.