FIFA World Cup Witnesses Another Scare: 2 Chinese Fans Looted At Gunpoint In Mexico, Shares Experience

What was meant to be a dream trip to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 turned into a frightening experience for two football fans from China. Just hours after arriving in Mexico City, the pair were allegedly robbed at gunpoint while travelling from the airport to their hotel.

The incident has drawn attention in China and sparked fresh discussions about tourist safety during major international sporting events. The Chinese Embassy in Mexico has also stepped in to assist the victims and has urged local authorities to investigate the case quickly.

Trip to the World Cup Takes a Shocking Turn

The two travellers, identified only by their surnames, Li and Wang, arrived at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City on June 10. They had travelled to Mexico to attend the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match between hosts Mexico and South Africa, scheduled for June 11.

According to reports, the two men had just left the airport and were heading to their hotel when the robbery took place. At around 7.20 pm local time, two masked men riding a motorcycle reportedly intercepted their vehicle.

One of the suspects allegedly got off the motorcycle, pointed a gun at the tourists and demanded their valuables, while the other remained on the bike, ready to flee.

Victims Describe the Robbery

Speaking to Chinese media outlet City News, one of the victims, Li, recalled the terrifying moments during the attack.

"One person carried out the robbery while another waited on a motorcycle. They pointed a gun at our heads, took our belongings and fled," he said.

The robbers reportedly noticed Li holding tightly onto his bag and snatched it from him. The bag contained his passport and other personal belongings, making the situation even more stressful for the travellers.

Wang, the second victim, was reportedly forced to hand over his watch during the incident.

"My mind went blank at the time. My only thought was our personal safety," Wang later said.

Victim Shares Video of the Incident's Aftermath

A few days after the robbery, Wang shared a video on Facebook describing what had happened. In the video, he showed a visible red mark on his forehead, claiming it was caused when one of the robbers pressed the barrel of a gun against him.

The video quickly gained attention online, with many social media users expressing sympathy and concern over the safety of international visitors attending the World Cup.
Wang admitted that he never imagined such an incident would happen during what was supposed to be a memorable sporting trip.

"I never thought this would happen to us," he said.

Allegations Against Local Police

After the robbery, the two men reported the incident to local authorities. According to Wang, several police officers arrived at the scene to investigate.

However, Wang later alleged that the interaction with the police left them disappointed.
In his account, he claimed that officers asked for money shortly after beginning the investigation. The allegation has not been independently verified, and local authorities have not publicly responded to the claim.

Feeling uncertain about the situation, the two tourists contacted China's 24-hour consular protection hotline for assistance.

Chinese Embassy Steps In

Following the call, the Chinese Embassy in Mexico reportedly contacted the victims and helped arrange replacement travel documents after Li's passport was stolen.

The embassy also raised the matter with Mexican authorities and requested a thorough investigation into the robbery while urging officials to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens travelling in the country.

According to reports, the embassy continued to monitor the case and remained in touch with the victims throughout the process.

"The embassy kept following up on the case, which made us feel much more reassured," Wang told local media.

One Suspect Reportedly Arrested

According to reports, Mexican authorities later informed the Chinese Embassy that one of the two suspects had been arrested. Investigations into the case are still ongoing, and it remains unclear whether any of the stolen belongings have been recovered.

The two football fans, however, decided not to continue their trip. Less than 48 hours after the robbery, they boarded a flight back to China, cutting short what was supposed to be their World Cup experience.

Embassy Issues Safety Advisory for Travellers

In the wake of the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Mexico issued a public advisory reminding citizens to remain cautious while travelling.

The statement advised tourists to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or other valuables and to avoid displaying money or costly items in public places.
The embassy also encouraged Chinese nationals to stay alert, use trusted transportation services and seek immediate assistance through consular channels if they encounter any emergency.

Safety Concerns Around Major Global Events

Large international events such as the FIFA World Cup attract millions of visitors from around the world, creating both opportunities and challenges for host cities. While authorities often increase security during such tournaments, tourists can still become targets for opportunistic criminals.

The robbery involving the two Chinese fans has become a reminder for travellers to remain cautious, especially when arriving in unfamiliar destinations. It also highlights the important role that embassies and consular services play in assisting citizens facing emergencies abroad.

For Li and Wang, the trip they had planned around the excitement of football ended not with memories from the stadium, but with an experience they are unlikely to forget.