Mexico Heads into the World Cup with Homicides Down by Half — But Economic Headwinds Loom

As Mexico prepares for the World Cup, communities across the country are feeling a mix of hope and caution. Homicides have dropped sharply, yet families still worry about jobs and the cost of living in their neighborhoods.

Legal Scrutiny Reaches Two Governors

The Attorney General's Office summoned Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos for questioning in late May. President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the move at her Monday mañanera, noting that both leaders—one from Morena and one from the PAN—would face the same process without special treatment. Rocha Moya must address a U.S. indictment tied to alleged cartel links, while Campos faces questions about unauthorized CIA operations in her state.

Sheinbaum Balances Tough Calls and Community Priorities

At her daily mañaneras, Sheinbaum urged Mexicans to stop watching TV Azteca over coverage she called inaccurate, announced a 21-billion-peso private investment in pharmaceuticals to cut medicine imports, and gave away her own World Cup ticket. She also reversed a decree that would have allowed heavy marine traffic near Loreto in Baja California Sur after residents spoke out strongly to protect their coastal way of life.

Economic Records Meet Everyday Realities

Foreign direct investment reached a record high in the first quarter of 2026, and export revenue rose 21.8 percent in the first four months of the year, led by manufacturing. Sheinbaum pointed to these numbers as signs of resilience. Yet analysts noted that while official unemployment stays low, formal-sector jobs have contracted and informal work has grown, leaving many families with less stable incomes.

Security Progress Brings Relief to Streets

Security Minister Omar García Harfuch reported that daily homicides averaged 44.3 in May so far, down 49 percent from the 86.9 average in September 2024. The government credits its current strategy for the drop in intentional killings, though other forms of violence remain a concern in many communities.

Reform Aims to Protect Elections and World Cup Hopes

Congress quickly passed a constitutional reform allowing elections to be annulled if foreign interference is proven; the measure now needs approval from at least 17 state legislatures. As the World Cup approaches, hotel bookings in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey sit well below earlier forecasts, reminding local businesses that global events do not always lift every neighborhood equally.