Why Is Mexico Facing This Before the World Cup? Mass Shooting at Major Tourist Landmark

Armed Assailant Opens Fire at Midpoint of Pyramid

Perpetrator Takes Own Life After the Attack

Some Victims Injured by Falling Down Stairs During Shooting

In Mexico, which is set to co-host the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, the world-famous Teotihuacan Pyramid has become the scene of a mass shooting. The incident left one Canadian woman dead and at least six people injured, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the security measures being promoted by the Mexican government ahead of the World Cup.

On April 21, Yonhap News, citing AFP and other foreign media, reported that a gunman opened fire on tourists at the Teotihuacan Pyramid, a major ancient archaeological site located on the outskirts of Mexico City, resulting in casualties.

Teotihuacan is a large archaeological site located about 50 km northeast of Mexico City, considered one of the largest pyramid sites in the Americas. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency

Teotihuacan is a large archaeological site located about 50 km northeast of Mexico City and is considered one of the largest pyramid sites in the Americas. It is one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations, attracting about 1.8 million visitors last year alone. The shooting occurred at a midpoint on the 'Pyramid of the Moon' within the site, prompting tourists at the scene to urgently evacuate down the stairs. Videos posted on social media show a man firing a handgun at a midway point in the ruins, with tourists scrambling for cover as gunshots ring out. Authorities from the State of Mexico who responded to the scene confiscated a firearm, a knife, and unused ammunition, and carried out an emergency evacuation of the tourists.

Cristobal Castaneda, Security Secretary for the State of Mexico, stated that one Canadian woman was killed and at least six people injured in the shooting. He explained that the perpetrator took his own life immediately after committing the crime. Of the six injured, four suffered gunshot wounds, while the remaining two were hurt after falling down the pyramid steps. Among the injured were reportedly two Colombians, another Canadian, and one Russian national, all of whom are currently receiving medical treatment.

Teotihuacan is a large archaeological site located about 50 km northeast of Mexico City, considered one of the largest pyramid sites in the Americas. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Following the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "What happened today in Teotihuacan has deeply wounded us," adding, "I express my heartfelt solidarity with the victims and their families." Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that it is in contact with the embassies of the relevant countries and providing necessary support to the injured foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, this incident has once again highlighted security concerns in Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup. Mexico will co-host the World Cup with the United States and Canada, with matches scheduled to take place in three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The Mexican government has announced plans to deploy large security forces during the tournament, pledging to strengthen public safety. However, a series of recent violent incidents in some regions has left the international community concerned. As a result, there are growing calls for more comprehensive security measures not only around stadiums but also at major tourist sites and cultural heritage areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.