The World Cup Double Standard: Media Warned of Mexico, but the Violence Is in the U.S

While the global media outlet focused on and raised concerns about Mexico’s security situation— scrutinizing Mexico’s security apparatus and questioning whether the country could assure safety during the FIFA 2026 World Cup—a string of mass shootings has gripped the United States both leading up to and during the tournament.

Kansas has faced a series of shootings; the first incident occurred on June 6, just 8 kilometers from where the base camp of England’s national team is located, leaving 9 people wounded. On Tuesday, June 16 five shootings took place between 6:00 and 6:30 in the afternoon in 8-kilometer stretch of Kansas City, Missouri, three of them on Interstates 70 and 670. All of the shootings occurred 6 kilometers form Arrowhead Stadium, where Argentina won its first match against Algeria. In one of the those incidents, an Uber driver driving fans of Argentina’s national team, is among the four people wounded, it also left one man dead in this wave of gun violence, reported AP. 

The most recent shooting happened on the afternoon of June 18 in New York City’s Time Square, right after the parade to celebrate the New York Knicks’ championship ended. Gunshots were heard between West 44th Street and 7th Avenue, CBS News reported. According to the network the one of the suspects detained is a minor, and according to AP news agency the other suspect was gunned down.

As of June 19, there have been 190 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, resulting in 175 deaths and 695 wounded, according to the Gun Violence Archive. 

So far in Mexico, the world tournament has passed without any security incidents. People are out in streets celebrating, having fun and enjoying watching the matches at the various FIFA Fan Fests. There haven’t been any issues for the fans arriving at the stadiums. Tourists have expressed their surprise at the warm welcoming they received from both authorities and locals upon arriving. They have also told to local media that they haven’t felt unsafe at all.

Mexico has seen a drop of 46% of intentional homicide as well as a 31% of high-impact crimes and a notable decline across several violent crimes categories since 2024. 

One week into the World Cup, a stark reality has hit global media and tourists alike: Mexico’s smooth execution has prompted many to argue that the country should have hosted the entire tournament. Ultimately, this international sporting event is helping Mexico to shatter the negative stigma perpetuated by international media outlets.

Image: Gemini AI