CULIACAN, Mexico (AP) - Throughout Mexico, the country has witnessed a vibrant celebration of the World Cup, characterized by outdoor festivities filling streets, plazas, and fan zones in the three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, since the tournament kicked off on June 11. However, the experience in regions plagued by cartel violence starkly contrasts this festive atmosphere; here, fear overshadows joy.
In various villages and towns where gunfire is a daily occurrence, communal cheers often remain confined to the safety of their homes. The excitement surrounding a World Cup where Mexico has advanced to the knockout stage is overshadowed by pressing safety concerns. A lime grower from Michoacan, one of Mexico's states heavily influenced by criminal factions, expressed his nervousness, stating, “I really like football, but... we’re nervous.” He remained anonymous due to the risk of cartel reprisals, mentioning recent incidents where local cartels launched explosives from drones nearby during World Cup matches.
In Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, enduring nearly two years of violent conflict spurred by rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, the atmosphere is similarly troubling. Instead of celebrating in public, many residents prefer quiet gatherings in homes or the few pubs airing matches, seeking a temporary escape from the surrounding violence. José Miguel Taniyama, a local chef, had hoped the World Cup would stimulate business after a two-year economic downturn triggered by ongoing conflicts that eradicated almost 60,000 jobs in Sinaloa. He noted poor attendance during the opening match against South Africa, with only two tables occupied, indicating the frail economic recovery.
On the Gulf Coast, in Poza Rica, increasing cartel-related violence was evident as streets remained deserted following Mexico's match against North Korea on June 18. Guillermo Núñez, a 28-year-old local entrepreneur, observed that post-match celebrations had vanished due to fears of venturing out at night, culminating in an atmosphere where even watching soccer is tainted by anxiety and caution.
Despite the tumultuous backdrop, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized a positive narrative surrounding the World Cup. Amid ongoing U.S. pressure on security and economic fronts, she noted that “people are happy, super happy” as the country hosts the tournament. She highlighted efforts involving over 100,000 security forces deployed nationwide to ensure a successful event. Some fans turned to the games as a means to momentarily distract themselves from the hardships faced in their country, with Juan Pablo de los Santos mentioning that Mexicans have learned to appreciate victories amid numerous humanitarian crises.
In regions like Tamaulipas, mired in cartel conflict, residents displayed a degree of resignation to their violent surroundings. A woman from Miguel Alemán recounted that although shootings used to last hours, they now tend to be shorter, allowing some normalcy to return to community life. With homicides reportedly declining since Sheinbaum took office, the administration claimed an average of 50.4 homicides per day from January to May, marking the lowest rate in a decade for that period. Nevertheless, analysts noted that disappearances continue and that many parts of the country are still afflicted by elevated violence.
In contrast, in Uruapan, Michoacan, young people gathered to celebrate after Mexico's victory over South Korea, responding to the charged atmosphere with tentative hope. María Luisa García, a 19-year-old participant, acknowledged the danger but felt reassured by the sight of others venturing out. Juan Carlos Mora, a local farmer, remarked on the daily risks of youth engaging in risky behaviors as they navigate a reality shadowed by the ever-present threat of violence.
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Verza reported from Mexico City. AP journalists Alba Alemán in Xalapa, Veracruz, Alfredo Peña in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, and Armando Solís in Uruapan, Michoacan, contributed.
