The possibility of protests is considered highest in the US. The tournament’s global platform may be used to highlight political and social issues. This could lead to unrest, heavy-handed police tactics, and mass arrests. Mexico also faces a heightened risk of roadblocks and demonstrations. These are mainly driven by activists and workers protesting gentrification, rising living costs, and economic grievances. In contrast, protests in Canada are common but overwhelmingly peaceful. Large-scale or volatile demonstrations are considered unlikely in Canadian cities.
All three countries face unique natural and health risks. The US is prone to air travel delays caused by environmental factors such as thunderstorms, particularly on the East Coast. Heat waves also pose a significant health risk to spectators.
Mexico faces multiple challenges. These include water scarcity in major host cities, extreme summer heat, and poor air quality in Mexico City. The country is also vulnerable to travel disruptions from earthquakes and urban flash flooding. In addition, it is currently experiencing a rise in measles cases.
In Canada, the primary environmental threat during the summer is wildfires. Smoke can travel long distances, posing a serious health risk and disrupting air travel.
US: Risk varies by city and neighbourhood: Across the country, crime is often concentrated in low-income areas. These may border upscale neighbourhoods where travellers are likely to be, so situational awareness is essential. In cities with developed public transport, congestion during peak hours can increase petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Travelling after dark or in unfamiliar areas can raise the risk of armed robbery. In sprawling cities, risks are lower as fans are more likely to use ride-shares to reach stadiums and other points of interest.
The US, as a global leader in counterterrorism, remains at higher risk of an attack during the World Cup. Extremists could target crowded spaces, but robust security measures will help protect stadiums. Hotels, public squares, and fan zones may face higher exposure. Over 30 per cent of all terrorist attacks in the US have occurred in five metropolitan areas — Manhattan, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. — four of which will host matches.
Mexico – Highest risk: All World Cup host cities (Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara) face organised criminal activity linked to major cartels. Crimes include extortion, shootings, kidnapping, and money laundering. Visitors are unlikely to be targeted in main tourist areas, upscale neighbourhoods, or near stadiums. Authorities have increased security, added CCTV, improved surveillance, and installed drone-jamming systems.
Within cities, opportunistic crime is the main threat: pickpocketing, bag-snatching, robbery, express kidnapping near ATMs, digital fraud, and vehicle theft. Risk rises in crowded areas, near transport hubs, and on routes to stadiums. Peak traffic can leave vehicles stuck, creating opportunities for armed assailants.
Higher-risk zones are on city outskirts, with weaker police presence and slower emergency response. Intercity travel, especially on toll-free highways, can involve armed robbery, vehicle hijacking, blockades, or staged collisions. The National Guard patrols highways, but response times may vary outside major cities.
Canada – Lowest risk: Canada is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime does occur, but it is rare. Most incidents are linked to organised crime or gang disputes and rarely affect foreign nationals. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, poses a greater risk. Tourist areas and public transport in major cities, including host cities Toronto and Vancouver, are particularly vulnerable.
The country is not a common target for terrorist activity and has not suffered any large-scale attacks. However, over the past decade, authorities have identified minor attacks and uncovered plots inspired by extremist ideology. While its security apparatus is less extensive than the US, Canada maintains strong intelligence-sharing with its southern neighbour, significantly reducing the risk of a successful terrorist attack.
US – Highest risk: The US may experience a wide range of protests before and during the FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s global profile means some groups may use the media coverage to highlight their causes amid a turbulent political climate. Several protest movements have already targeted immigration enforcement, drawn attention to conflicts like the war in Gaza, and called for the removal of President Donald Trump. This trend is expected to continue throughout the event.
Police have sometimes used heavy-handed tactics to control unrest. Individuals should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid being near demonstrators or law enforcement operations. Mass arrests and intense scrutiny of certain people, including those suspected of being in the US illegally, have occurred. Extra caution is advised to avoid being involved with or near non-compliant demonstrators.
Mexico – Heightened risk of roadblocks and protests: An anti‑World Cup movement has emerged in Mexico as the country prepares to host matches in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Residents have protested against rising living costs, housing displacement, and tourist‑driven gentrification linked to event‑related development around major venues such as Estadio Azteca. Demonstrations have highlighted concerns about increased rents, impacts on local businesses, and infrastructure projects that, protesters say, benefit outside investors at the expense of long‑term residents.
Separately, other social groups, including farmers, education workers, transport workers, and truckers, have threatened mobilisations during the World Cup to highlight economic grievances and institutional neglect, including issues tied to trade agreements and road safety.
Mexico also sees broader civic protests unrelated to the tournament, such as youth‑led demonstrations and rallies against foreign policy positions or economic conditions. These movements have varied causes and scales, but they reflect ongoing social and political pressures ahead of the World Cup period.
Canada – Peaceful demonstrations: Protests are common in Canadian society, especially in major urban hubs. While most demonstrations are peaceful, escalation to scuffles is not unprecedented. Police are not known to use force disproportionately, and more serious clashes or other forms of unrest do not regularly happen.
During the World Cup, issues most likely to mobilise people include social justice, human rights, and international conflicts. Some examples are the Israeli military operations in Gaza or crackdowns on protesters in countries like Iran. Localised roadblocks may occur, but events usually remain peaceful. Large-scale demonstrations within Canada are unlikely, as no recent issue has mobilised massive crowds since the COVID‑19 restriction protests in 2022.
US – Lightning storms and their effects: Air travel in the US often faces lengthy delays. Most are caused by environmental factors, with technical and staffing issues playing a smaller role. Disruptions at one airport can create knock-on effects across the country due to the high volume of flights.
During the FIFA World Cup, this is likely to affect East Coast airports the most. Thunderstorms in the region may ground planes and trigger significant delays. Miami and the New York metro area, both hosting matches, have seen the most severe delays in recent years.
Heat waves are another concern. Only a few stadiums will have retractable roofs and climate control systems so visitors should plan accordingly. Spectators should increase non-alcoholic fluid intake, limit outdoor activity to early mornings or late evenings where possible, and watch for heat-related illness symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
Mexico – Multiple environmental and health risks: The environmental risks are primarily driven by intense water scarcity in Mexico City and Monterrey. Monterrey's Estadio BBVA and Guadalajara's Estadio Akron are located near protected natural areas. Environmentalists fear that infrastructure building and increased mobility will affect flora and fauna in those areas.
Monterrey faces extreme heat during the summer, with "unacceptable thermal stress" affecting players and fans. Mexico City's geography, an enclosed basin, increases susceptibility to poor air quality. Authorities restrict the circulation of vehicles during high pollution periods. The rainy season will also be ongoing in June, increasing the risk of urban flash flooding. Altitude sickness is also a risk in Mexico City, which is located at 2,240 m (7,349 feet).
The risk of earthquakes is present in most parts of Mexico, particularly in Mexico City. Authorities have warning and emergency response systems in place, but major quakes typically cause moderate to heavy shaking. Ashfall from Popocatépetl Volcano has previously disrupted air travel at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX/MMMX).
As of early 2026, measles cases are rising across the country, with Metropolitan Guadalajara reporting the highest infection rates. A further increase could cause overcrowded healthcare facilities and delayed emergency response. Travellers should only consume bottled water, as traveller’s diarrhoea is common across Mexico.
Canada – Wildfires and their effects: Wildfires are the main environmental threat during the Canadian summer. The World Cup dates often coincide with a high number of fires across several provinces, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Ontario is usually less affected, but summer heat waves can create hazardous conditions for travellers and players even in areas not directly affected by wildfires.
Smoke from wildfires poses a serious health risk. It is a major source of air pollution. Smoke can travel thousands of kilometres, sometimes crossing the border and affecting air quality in major US cities like New York. Wildfire smoke contains gases, particles, and water vapour, which can harm one's health even at low exposure levels.
Thunderstorms are also common in summer and can disrupt air travel during the tournament. During these events, flights are often grounded, particularly at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ).
Editors:
Diego Maloney, Senior Analyst at Riskline
Paul Mutter, Global Coverage Manager
Contributors:
Eeva Ruuska, Jesús Aguilar, Marco Túlio Lara
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