BBC’s Will Grant has reported from Monterrey, Nuevo León, offering a close look at the security operation being assembled in northern Mexico ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Mexico is one of the tournament’s host nations and is scheduled to stage 13 matches overall, with Monterrey set to host four of those games.
The city’s preparations reflect the scale of the event and the importance of maintaining public safety for fans, teams and officials. Monterrey’s police department is deploying a broad mix of air, ground and technology-based resources as part of its World Cup security plan. According to the report, the force will have access to 11 helicopters, including two Black Hawks, along with 90 armoured vehicles. The city is also using armed robotic dogs as part of its patrol and security capabilities.
The measures are intended to strengthen surveillance and rapid response across the city and surrounding areas in Nuevo León. Officers in a central command centre will be tracking activity throughout the state, coordinating operations and monitoring for any potential risks during the tournament period. The presence of helicopters and heavy vehicles underscores the level of preparation taking place in Monterrey as it prepares for an influx of visitors and heightened international attention.
The World Cup is expected to bring significant crowds, demanding large-scale logistics and security planning from host cities. Monterrey’s approach shows how local authorities are combining traditional policing with advanced equipment to support crowd control, emergency response and urban monitoring. The use of robotic dogs adds a modern technological element to the operation, signaling an increased reliance on automated tools in public security efforts.
Mexico’s role as a co-host places it at the center of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. With 13 matches spread across the country, and Monterrey hosting four, the city is preparing to present itself on a global stage while managing the complex challenges that come with hosting major international fixtures. Security planning is a key part of that effort, particularly in a tournament that will attract fans from around the world.
The report highlights the extent to which authorities in Monterrey are already working ahead of the tournament to ensure that the city is ready. From helicopters to armored vehicles and remote monitoring systems, the security setup is designed to provide visible and flexible coverage. The central command structure will serve as the hub for that effort, bringing together information and response capabilities across Nuevo León.
As the 2026 Fifa World Cup approaches, Monterrey’s preparations offer an early glimpse of how host cities are gearing up for the event. The city’s security plan illustrates the combination of manpower, machinery and technology that will shape operations during the tournament. Video for the report was edited by Blanca Estrada.
