The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) has announced the cancellation of the Diving World Cup, which was set to take place from March 5 to 8 in Mexico. This decision comes as a response to safety concerns for athletes, as several countries have imposed travel restrictions to Mexico due to a surge in violence linked to organized crime. FINA indicated that the safety of athletes is their top priority, noting that some national teams were unable to secure permits to attend the event, contributing to the cancellation.

The security situation in Mexico has deteriorated significantly after recent government operations targeted drug cartel leaders, leading to deadly riots by gang members. The violent unrest has raised alarms about public safety and disrupted numerous local events, including the cancellation of four domestic football matches over the weekend. Despite this chaos, a friendly match between the Mexico and Iceland national football teams was held successfully, highlighting the contrasting aspects of how different sporting events are being managed amid the country’s crisis.

Looking ahead, Mexico is set to host parts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which raises questions about safety and governance as the country prepares for this high-stakes international event. The situation underscores broader concerns about security in Mexico, potentially impacting not only sports but tourism and international relations as well. With significant global attention on Mexico due to the upcoming World Cup, ensuring safety for all participants and visitors will be crucial for restoring trust in the nation’s ability to host international events effectively.