Nuevo Leon Tests Emergency Response Ahead of 2026 World Cup

With fewer than 200 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Nuevo Leon advanced its emergency preparedness efforts with a large-scale drill at Estadio BBVA, one of Mexico’s designated venues for the tournament. The simulation, led by the state’s Ministry of Health through the Regulatory Center for Medical Emergencies (CRUM), tested coordinated response capabilities in the event of a major incident near the stadium.

More than 21 state, municipal, and federal agencies participated in the exercise, which recreated an explosion scenario to evaluate how emergency teams would mobilize under real-world conditions. 

Alma Marroquín, Nuevo Leon’s Minister of Health, says that the state is working closely with authorities across government levels to ensure readiness for the international event. She noted that the drill focused on response times, operational capacity, and interagency coordination, with 126 personnel deployed. The exercise also served to identify areas that require improvement before the tournament.

This was the second simulation conducted in Nuevo Leon as part of broader national preparations. The first took place in the municipality of Allende and involved emergency response units. Estrella Albarrán, Acting Head, Technical Ministry of the National Council for Accident Prevention (STCONAPRA), says that the drills are being replicated across World Cup host locations and that states have been meeting the targets set by federal authorities.

She adds that simulations have already been carried out in Jalisco and are pending in Mexico City. Officials underscore that coordinated practice is essential for managing high-impact events. As Mexico finalizes preparations for hosting World Cup matches, the exercises are intended to ensure that emergency systems operate cohesively under pressure and can respond effectively if incidents occur.

Experts in public safety have highlighted that Mexico needs to strengthen its preparedness to be ready for the risks that pose the hosting of the World Cup. “In Mexico, a first responder must arrive within 13 minutes from the moment a 911 call is received. In emergencies, that may be too long,” says Niv Yarimi, President, Kabat One, to MBN.

Previous host countries have encountered notable gaps in readiness. In Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, for example, a survey found that only 34% of hospitals had received preparedness training, more than half did not have formal communication channels with public agencies, and just 27% had the capacity to isolate patients during outbreaks.

“Organizing large-scale events carries risks regarding the health and safety of all attendees,” says Pascaline Leon, Head of Health, Lifestyle and Beauty, Business France, to MBN.

In early November, President Claudia Sheinbaum officially presented the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone as the first country to host the tournament three times, in 1970, 1986, and 2026. Sheinbaum stated that the event represents a unique opportunity to showcase Mexico’s cultural richness, hospitality, and economic strength on a global stage. Official estimates suggest Mexico will welcome over 5.5 million international visitors, generating between US$1.8 billion and US$3 billion in economic impact.

Recently, Mexico’s federal government outlined a series of health and sports initiatives set to begin in 2026, using the momentum of the upcoming FIFA World Cup to expand prevention strategies and broaden access to physical activity. The announcements were made during a President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning briefing, where cabinet members detailed programs aimed at linking mobility, exercise, and community participation with national health goals, reports MBN.