The future of the FIFA World Cup, slated to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is facing new scrutiny following a surge of violence in Guadalajara, Mexico, after the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). While FIFA has yet to issue an official statement regarding potential changes to the schedule, concerns are mounting over security in the region, leading to speculation about relocating matches.
The operation targeting El Mencho sparked widespread unrest across the state of Jalisco and beyond, with organized crime groups responding by setting vehicles ablaze, including buses and taxis commandeered and used as roadblocks – a tactic known as “narcobloqueos” – and targeting businesses ranging from large retailers like Costco to smaller corner stores. The city of Guadalajara activated a “red alert” protocol on , urging citizens to remain home and effectively halting normal activity.
Guadalajara is scheduled to host four group stage matches at the Estadio Akron during the World Cup. The immediate impact of the violence has already been felt within the sporting world, with four professional soccer matches postponed on , including Liga MX fixtures and second-division contests. The Mexican Football Federation also cancelled an international friendly match between Mexico and Iceland, originally scheduled to be played on Wednesday.
The disruption to sporting events underscores the severity of the situation and raises questions about the feasibility of hosting a major international event like the World Cup in a region experiencing such instability. The Estadio Akron is accessible via a single main road, which was itself blocked by a burning bus on , highlighting a potential logistical and security nightmare for fans, and teams.
Despite the escalating violence, reports indicate that FIFA has not yet officially considered moving games from Mexico. According to a report cited by several news outlets, claims circulating on social media suggesting a shift of matches to the United States and Canada originate from “unrelated or unreliable accounts.” However, the situation remains fluid, and the potential for disruption is significant.
The economic implications of a potential relocation are substantial. Guadalajara had been anticipating a significant economic boost from hosting World Cup matches, with increased tourism, hospitality spending, and infrastructure development. Moving the games would deprive the city and the surrounding region of these benefits. Any decision to relocate matches would likely involve significant logistical challenges and costs for FIFA and the host nations.
The security concerns extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the stadium. The widespread nature of the blockades and arson attacks, spanning at least 12 states, suggests a broader challenge to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of visitors. The disruption to transportation and commerce could also have a ripple effect on the Mexican economy.
The incident also raises broader questions about the risks associated with hosting major international events in countries with significant organized crime activity. While security measures are typically heightened during such events, the unpredictable nature of cartel violence makes it difficult to guarantee complete safety. The current situation in Guadalajara is likely to prompt a reassessment of security protocols for the World Cup and potentially for other future events.
The Mexican government’s response to the violence will be crucial in determining the future of the World Cup matches in Guadalajara. A swift and effective restoration of order, coupled with a credible plan to ensure the safety of visitors, could alleviate some of the concerns. However, the long-term impact of El Mencho’s death on the balance of power within the CJNG and the potential for further violence remains uncertain.
For now, the focus remains on monitoring the situation in Guadalajara and assessing the potential risks to the World Cup. FIFA is likely to be closely coordinating with Mexican authorities to evaluate the security situation and determine whether any changes to the schedule are necessary. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Guadalajara can remain a host city for the World Cup.
