The primary safety issues to consider during the World Cup events are crowd safety and crimes targeting female and LGBTQ travellers. Instances of clashes and unrest between rival football fans can occur ahead of and following sporting events. There is also a greater risk of stampedes during matches in urban areas, which draw large crowds, and visitors should plan to mitigate these risks. Law enforcement and security measures are stronger in the US and Canada compared with Mexico. One of the major safety risks for travellers in Mexican cities is cartel-related crimes and violence, which can erupt at any time, and as such, criminal hotspots need to be avoided.
Women and LGBTQ face high risks of harassment, sexual assaults, violent and hate crimes in Mexico, while urban areas are relatively safer for these groups in the US and Canada. Mexico has the highest risks of violent crimes targeting LGBTQ travellers in Latin America, so they need to plan in advance to avoid high-risk areas.
When it comes to culturalism, all three host countries are very multicultural, although visitors need to be aware of prevailing anti-immigration sentiments among a section of the population in the US. It is best to avoid engaging in politically sensitive discussions in unfamiliar crowds in all three countries, as well as those pertaining to Indigenous people, religion, race, and immigration.
US/Canada – Both countries benefit from advanced infrastructure, extensive law enforcement presence, and mature event security planning. During the World Cup, however, travellers should expect exceptionally high crowd densities in major urban centres, particularly around stadiums, airports, transport hubs, downtown business districts, and hospitality zones. Crowd-related risks are most pronounced during pre- and post-match periods, when simultaneous movements strain transport systems and pedestrian areas.
To mitigate exposure, people should plan movements strategically, avoiding peak ingress and egress times whenever possible. Pre-booked, accredited transportation and real-time monitoring of local authority advisories are strongly recommended. Maintaining situational awareness in crowded but loosely controlled environments, such as fan zones or transit hubs, is essential, especially during evening events.
Mexico – Despite enhanced security measures in place, high crowd densities around stadiums, fan zones, and on public transport during pre- and post-match periods are likely to increase the risk of opportunistic petty crime targeting unsuspecting or intoxicated fans. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings and keep valuables in a zipped or concealed pocket or pouch. Travel to event venues via private vehicles is recommended in order to bypass congested public transport. It’s also advised to maintain situational awareness in crowded areas, avoid unruly groups of fans, and seek shelter at any signs of brawls or unrest. Due to weaker presence of law enforcement and slower emergency response times, poorer neighbourhoods and outlying suburbs across host cities should be avoided, especially after dark.
Although travellers are unlikely to be targeted by organised criminal networks, recent cartel activity in Guadalajara highlights the possibility of sudden changes to the security landscape. In the event of gang violence, bystander injury is not uncommon. Visitors should avoid hotspots of criminal activity, often situated on the outskirts of urban areas, and remain on major highways during inter-city travel. The surge in Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) violence poses a particular risk to US citizens, due to the possibility of retaliation following the country’s involvement in the security operation that killed CJNG leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes.
US – Foreign nationals must carry a form of identification. Despite long-standing anti-immigration sentiments held by a small subsection of the population, the prevailing ethos embracing multiculturalism as a defining feature of US citizenship has been shaped by waves of migration that have marked the nation's development. Given the wide range of cultures represented in the country, it is important to remain respectful of the diversity encountered. However, it is best to be discreet about sexual orientation, religion, and politics when visiting less culturally diverse regions where visitors are unlikely to feel welcome. Religious conservatism, as well as liberalism and tolerance, vary from state to state, with pronounced urban/rural divides within states.
It is best to avoid discussing religion with strangers or new acquaintances and to exercise modesty and respect when visiting any religious site or houses of worship. Also, considering the current political climate, it is best to avoid bringing up or engaging in controversial social and political topics with strangers or new acquaintances, including the policies of the current administration, abortion, healthcare, immigration, US military involvement in external conflicts, and LGBTQ rights.
Mexico – Mexicans are proud of their country and history. It is best to avoid controversial topics related to politics, corruption, and drug cartels in public settings. There are many sacred saints and hallowed grounds across the country. When visiting such sites, showing a polite disposition and asking permission to take photos is the best way to avoid confrontation. Although attire such as shorts is permissible in churches, short shorts and other revealing clothing is frowned upon. Any attempt to speak Spanish is appreciated and seen as a gesture of goodwill.
Canada – Canada is known for its multiculturalism and respect for diversity. Sensitive topics travellers should be aware of include discussions regarding Indigenous peoples, immigration, race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Those topics should be avoided with strangers or new acquaintances.
Canada has no official religion, and support for religious pluralism is an important part of Canadian political culture. Another potentially politically sensitive topic is the discussion about the Quebec sovereignty movement, which remains active to a degree in the province, and to a lesser extent, a minority movement in Alberta to join the US.
Mexico – There are high rates of harassment, sexual assaults, and violence targeting women and LGBTQ individuals in Mexico, including in major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
There have been reports of female tourists being sexually assaulted in resort areas, sometimes by staff, other guests, taxi drivers, and security personnel. Women may receive unwanted attention from men, ranging from open displays of catcalling and staring to physical groping. It is best to ignore these advances or confrontations and walk away.
Other pieces of advice for female travellers include:
US/Canada – Travelling within the US and Canada is considered safe for female and LGBTQ travellers. For women, there are no particular laws, local customs, or safety concerns to be taken into consideration. Although sporadic incidents of sexual harassment or assault are reported in urban areas, they are not commonplace, and foreign travellers are usually not deliberately targeted.
However, increased criminal activities and hooliganism are possible in and around stadiums during football matches, and women are advised to exercise heightened personal safety awareness. They should also avoid unfamiliar or desolate areas and immediately contact local authorities if facing any form of harassment. Specialised gynaecological healthcare services are widely available in Canada, but vary in availability in the US. All host cities will offer these services.
LGBTQ travellers should exercise normal safety precautions in these countries, as homosexuality is legal in both. Canada, in particular, has progressive laws and the cities are very gay-friendly.
However, in the US, recent anti-LGBTQ bills have bred uncertainty and intolerance. Targeted discrimination, harassment, or attacks amid large crowds during football matches cannot be entirely ruled out. Of particular concern is the match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle's Lumen Field on 26 June. Local organisers have designated the game as the 'Pride Match' to mark the city's Pride Weekend celebration, which has been opposed by the participating countries.
Travellers may prefer to be discreet about their sexual orientation and avoid public displays of affection in areas where local attitudes toward the community are uncertain.
Editors:
Diego Maloney, Senior Analyst at Riskline
Paul Mutter, Global Coverage Manager
Contributors:
Avantika Deb, Aidana Arynbek, Bumjoon Park, Nikita Billier, Ramya DilipKumar, Roxana Dumitrescu, Ryan Rogers
Share
Destination risk, safety & travel reports
Visa, health, safety & documentation
Pre-travel security & travel safety advisories
Breaking on-site travel risk updates 24/7
Instant, accurate visa rules for 220+ countries
Data to improve user satisfaction
Data you can trust
APIs, widgets and portal
Articles, news and product updates
The latest developments at Riskline
In-depth content on relevant topics
