October 20, 2025

The 2026 World Cup is bringing excitement and security challenges to Mexico! Leopoldo Cerdeira, head of Mexico City security firm Ruhe, wowed visitors by shooting a handgun at a car door to prove the power of his armored vehicles. "Our bookings are for tourists, people who have money, who come to see the matches but are afraid because they have heard bad things about Mexico," said Cerdeira at his workshop, surrounded by bullet casings and smoky guns. His fleet, boasting a strong synthetic armor, currently has 70 luxury vehicles ready to rent for wealthy visitors, and this will grow to 80 for the big football fiesta. This is not just about flashy cars. Mexico’s security industry offers armed drivers, bulletproof vests, bomb protection, and even armored briefcases. The country’s high crime rate — about 30,000 murders each year, many due to drug cartel violence — has fueled demand for such protection. Gabriel Hernandez, head of Armoring Group, said, "The country’s insecurity has led to the growth of our industry." The World Cup will be held in three Mexican cities: Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Over 40,000 new CCTV cameras are in place in the capital, while drones will be restricted in all three cities to boost safety. Although Mexico City usually avoids cartel attacks, Guadalajara is in the middle of cartel territory, ruled by the feared Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG). This group has a $12 million US reward on its leader, Nemesio Oseguera, a.k.a. “El Mencho.” To tighten security further, Cerdeira’s cars come with electric shock handles, pepper spray wheels, and puncture-proof tires that last 50 miles. Renting these cars costs from $800 to $1,100 daily, plus $500 for drivers and escorts. Customers can also buy bulletproof vests for $1,500. But watch out! The cartels don’t sit idle — they build their own 'monsters' — huge, homemade armored trucks. Security firms also face trouble losing workers to cartels, who pay triple salaries but with deadly risks. Cerdeira lost two workers to such criminals; both were found dead in Sinaloa cartel territory. Still, experts like security consultant David Saucedo believe cartels won’t threaten the World Cup, as they might benefit socially from the events. Saucedo even hinted at a secret deal: authorities might avoid big cartel crackdowns in exchange for peace during the football tournament. As Mexico prepares to host the world’s biggest football party, safety and the shadow of crime will surely be headline stories alongside the matches!

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Tags: Mexico world cup 2026, Armored vehicles, Drug cartels, Security industry, Leopoldo cerdeira, Cjng cartel,