A delegation of British security experts has arrived in Mexico City to assess the Estadio Azteca ahead of its role as a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The visit follows a request from Mexican authorities for assistance in developing a comprehensive security framework for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The team, comprising specialists from the UK’s National Football Policing and Security Command, conducted a preliminary walkthrough of the 87,000-seat stadium on Wednesday. Their report will inform the design of crowd management strategies, counter-terrorism measures, and emergency response protocols.
Mexico’s interior ministry confirmed the collaboration in a statement, noting that the UK’s experience in hosting major sporting events, including the 2012 London Olympics and the Euro 2020 final, was instrumental in the decision to seek British expertise.
Estadio Azteca, which opened in 1966, has hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986) and is one of three Mexican venues selected for the 2026 tournament. It is currently undergoing a renovation programme to meet FIFA’s latest infrastructure and safety standards, with upgrades to its floodlighting, pitch drainage, and concourse access points.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, placing unprecedented demands on host nations’ security apparatus. Mexico will stage 13 games, including a quarter-final and several group-stage fixtures.
UK security officials have previously worked with Mexican counterparts on high-profile events, including the 2017 Formula One Mexican Grand Prix and the annual Guadalajara International Film Festival. The current engagement is expected to last six months, with periodic follow-up visits until the tournament begins.
Neither the UK Foreign Office nor FIFA has commented publicly on the collaboration. However, sources close to the Mexican organising committee confirm that the partnership is part of a broader effort to align security protocols across all three host countries.
Azteca Stadium’s unique bowl-like design and location in a densely populated residential area present specific challenges for perimeter security and emergency evacuation. The UK team’s preliminary assessment is believed to have flagged potential bottlenecks at several entrances, which may require temporary structural modifications during the tournament.
Mexico has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of public safety at large gatherings, particularly after a series of stampedes at music festivals and religious processions. The 2026 World Cup is seen as an opportunity to rehabilitate the country’s international reputation for event security.
The UK’s involvement is non-commercial and stems from a bilateral security cooperation agreement signed in 2015. A formal presentation of the team’s findings is scheduled for next month at the Mexican Interior Ministry headquarters.
