The Anglican Archbishop of Mexico has warned of a “very difficult” security situation as the World Cup kicks off, with heightened risk of violence and drug cartel activity.

After the opening ceremony, Mexico will play South Africa in the first game of the tournament on Thursday. More than five million people are expected to visit the country during the competition, which is co-hosted with the United States and Canada. 

Speaking at the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG) conference in England, Most Rev Alba Sally Sue Hernández Garcia raised a number of challenges that risk being overlooked while fans enjoy the matches. 

“The situation is very difficult, with challenges including the presence of drug cartels, forced disappearances, violence against girls and women, the exclusion of indigenous communities, and armed attacks to seize territory from communities that have been displaced from their lands, among others. 

“While the World Cup will generate passion and some economic activity, there will be no profound changes or answers to the true needs of the Mexican people”, she said. 

USPG’s For Christ is our Peace conference examined the themes of justice, peace and conflict from a theological and practical perspective. 

“As we get caught up in football fever at the World Cup in North America this summer, we must remember the lives being impacted by the situation in Mexico”, said USPG general secretary Rev Canon Dr Duncan Dormor.

“It is almost always the poor who suffer the most, and it is within these communities that the Anglican Church of Mexico is standing up, speaking out, and taking action to address issues of deep injustice, conflict, and violence”, he added.

Catholic bishops have also warned of the risks around human trafficking and sexual exploitation during the World Cup, urging prayer and for Christians to discuss the issue. 

United Nations officials have stated that influxes of tourists and mass movement of people can be taken advantage of by criminal networks.