A wave of organized violence has cast a dark shadow over the sports scene in Mexico, raising serious questions about the country's readiness to co-host the 2026 World Cup. These concerns came in the wake of the sports authorities' decision to postpone a number of football matches in Guadalajara, one of the main cities nominated to host the World Cup, in response to widespread security disturbances that erupted after a security operation targeting one of the country's most dangerous drug cartel leaders.
Background of the conflict and its repercussions
For decades, Mexico has grappled with security challenges linked to the activities of powerful drug cartels, which compete with each other and with the authorities for control of territory and smuggling routes. The state of Jalisco, with its capital Guadalajara, is a stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered one of the most violent criminal organizations in the world. Recent unrest followed a military operation by Mexican Defense Ministry special forces on the Pacific coast targeting Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," the cartel's leader. The operation resulted in his death from his injuries, sparking a violent backlash from his followers.
The impact of violence on local sports
In the aftermath of the operation, several Mexican states experienced a wave of chaos, with gang members blocking highways using burning vehicles and setting fire to shops and public buildings. The impact of these events extended directly to the world of sports, with the Mexican Football Federation announcing, in the interest of player and fan safety, the postponement of two men's first division matches, a women's league derby between Chivas and América, and two second division matches. Furthermore, a women's match in Aguascalientes was temporarily halted after gunshots were heard near the stadium, prompting the players to leave the field as a precaution before play resumed later.
International significance and future concerns
These events take on particular international significance given that Mexico is preparing to host 13 matches of the 2026 World Cup, which it is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. The historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is scheduled to host the tournament's opening match. Such an outbreak of violence in a host city like Guadalajara sends alarming signals to FIFA, participating teams, and fans worldwide. This situation presents the Mexican government with a significant challenge to demonstrate its ability to provide a completely safe environment for hosting a global event of this magnitude, placing its security plans under international scrutiny in the coming years.
