Four professional soccer matches in Mexico were postponed Sunday amid a wave of violence following the death of a drug cartel leader, raising concerns about security as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The unrest, sparked by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has prompted questions about whether the tournament’s matches scheduled in Mexico will be affected.
The violence began in Jalisco state, where a “code red” security situation has been declared, and quickly spread to at least a dozen other regions. Videos circulating online show armed individuals patrolling streets and widespread fires. Authorities postponed two top-tier men’s league games – Querétaro vs. Juárez FC – and a women’s league match between Chivas and América, along with two second-division contests as a precautionary measure.
While no official changes to the World Cup schedule have been announced, the eruption of violence has fueled speculation about the safety of hosting matches in Mexico. Mexico is slated to host 13 games across three cities – Guadalajara (4 matches), Mexico City (5 matches), and Monterrey (4 matches) – when the tournament is jointly held with the United States and Canada.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is particularly under scrutiny, as it is scheduled to host four World Cup matches. The recent violence unfolded in close proximity to the city, prompting immediate security concerns. The Mexican Football Federation has not yet postponed a scheduled friendly match between Mexico and Iceland, set for Wednesday in Querétaro, but the possibility of postponement, cancellation, or relocation remains high depending on the evolving security situation.
Experts suggest that the cartel’s response is a direct result of the pressure applied by the Mexican military. “When you push down on the cartels you do get pushback – the danger is that it can be very difficult to manage a security situation that spirals out of control,” said Javier Eskauriatza, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Nottingham. The death of El Mencho has created a power vacuum, potentially leading to further instability and conflict as rival factions vie for control.
Despite the current unrest, some analysts believe the cartels have a vested economic interest in ensuring a peaceful World Cup. “In general the cartels have an economic interest in making sure the World Cup is peaceful,” Dr. Eskauriatza added. “They pay off politicians and local police forces, but they also buy restaurants and own hotels. They are part of the economic system. It is useful for them if Brits, Americans, and others go to Mexico, spend their money and have a good time.”
FIFA has been contacted for comment but has not yet issued a statement regarding the situation. Mexican authorities have also remained largely silent on potential adjustments to the World Cup schedule. However, the escalating violence and the proximity of the unrest to host cities are undoubtedly raising the stakes for organizers.
The current situation echoes concerns raised prior to major international events held in countries with significant security challenges. The potential for disruption, even if limited to localized areas, poses a logistical and reputational risk for FIFA and the co-hosting nations. The coming days will be critical in assessing the long-term impact of the violence and determining whether any changes to the World Cup plans are necessary.
The postponement of domestic matches serves as an immediate indicator of the severity of the situation. While the Mexican government has not yet signaled a change in plans for the World Cup, the ongoing instability underscores the complex security landscape facing organizers as they prepare to welcome fans and teams from around the globe in less than six months. The incident also highlights the delicate balance between maintaining security and avoiding actions that could further escalate the conflict with powerful criminal organizations.
Social media has been abuzz with reaction to the events, with many users expressing concern about the safety of traveling to Mexico for the World Cup. The situation is rapidly evolving, and continued monitoring of the security situation will be crucial in the lead-up to the tournament. The Mexican government will likely face increasing pressure to demonstrate its ability to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees.
