Mexico’s Armored Cars Industry Booms Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

As Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada, a new industry is booming — one built on fear and survival.

Amid soaring violence and more than 30,000 homicides a year, Mexican security companies are renting out bulletproof vehicles, body armor, and private escorts to wealthy fans and FIFA officials.

Entrepreneur Leopoldo Cerdeira showcases his luxury SUVs by shooting them with real bullets to prove their strength.

Each armored vehicle is equipped with electric door shocks, pepper spray emitters, and tires that keep rolling even after being shot.

With daily rental costs reaching up to $1,500, demand is rising fast. Authorities promise heightened security in host cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, but some experts predict an informal “World Cup truce” — a quiet agreement between cartels and the government to maintain peace and protect Mexico’s image as millions of fans arrive for the tournament.