As England prepares to take on Mexico in the FIFA World Cup, another battle is playing out just beyond the Azteca Stadium. More than 130,000 people have been forcibly disappeared in Mexico as cartel violence surges, leaving thousands of families searching for answers. They say the authorities have failed them and are demanding justice.
Families Confront Authorities
The Guardian follows two families as they confront the police and challenge the government, determined to use football's biggest tournament to expose Mexico's disappearance crisis. The families argue that the government is prioritizing the World Cup over addressing the violence that has plagued the nation.
Cartel Violence and Impunity
Mexico's kidnapping crisis is fueled by powerful drug cartels that operate with near impunity. According to official figures, over 130,000 people have disappeared since 2006, when the government launched a militarized anti-drug campaign. Many victims are believed to be in mass graves, while others are never found.
World Cup Under Scrutiny
The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada in 2026, has drawn criticism from human rights groups. They question how Mexico can host such a global event while failing to protect its citizens. One family member stated, 'How can they hold a World Cup when so many are missing?'
Demands for Justice
Families of the disappeared have organized protests and campaigns, using the World Cup as a platform to draw international attention. They demand that the government take concrete action to find the missing and hold perpetrators accountable. The Guardian's video report highlights their struggle and the urgent need for justice.
