On February 22, violence erupted across Mexico linked to the assassination of Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The response included burnt vehicles, blocked roads, and widespread vandalism.
In the wake of armed confrontations between the cartel and the Mexican military, professional soccer was affected, leading to the postponement of matches. Liga MX’s Querétaro versus FC Juarez and the women’s top-flight rivalry game, Chivas versus América, were both suspended.
Could the FIFA World Cup games be at risk?
As the major tournament co-hosted by Mexico approaches this summer, along with a series of qualifiers in late March, concerns have arisen regarding the safety of fans visiting tournament venues in Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara.
Since Sunday, indications suggest stability is returning, and soccer has resumed. Mexico played against Iceland in a full house at Estadio Corregidora on Wednesday, winning decisively 4-0. No immediate issues were reported during the match, marking a positive development for World Cup preparations.
yet, given the recent violence, fears and inquiries persist.
What unfolded in Mexico?
About two hours southwest of Guadalajara, Mexican forces, aided by U.S. intelligence, conducted a special operation on Sunday that resulted in the death of Oseguera Cervantes, listed among the U.S. Department of State’s most wanted fugitives. Over 70 individuals, including Mexican National Guard members and alleged criminals, lost their lives during these confrontations.
Mexico’s foreign ministry confirmed no foreigners were harmed in the disturbances.
In a show of strength following the loss of their leader, cartel members set vehicles ablaze, obstructed roads, and vandalized businesses across the country, predominantly in Jalisco, causing locals to seek shelter.
Some airlines issued travel advisories related to airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, the latter impacted by a prison riot due to a vehicle breaching its gates. The U.S. embassy cautioned American citizens in multiple Mexican states to take cover amid the unrest.
By Wednesday, as the situation calmed, the U.S. government advised citizens to “resume standard levels of precaution,” while recommending they stay updated through local media.
What are the responses from local leaders and FIFA?
Jalisco’s governor Pablo Lemus dismissed concerns on Tuesday.
“There’s absolutely no possibility. Neither the two playoff matches nor the four World Cup matches will be affected,” Lemus stated after speaking with a FIFA representative. He added, “There’s no intention on FIFA’s part to relocate any of Mexico’s host venues.”
Days following the violent acts, FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in the country.
“We are, of course, monitoring the situation in Mexico, but I want to emphasize that we have full confidence in Mexico, in its president Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the local authorities,” Infantino remarked. “We believe everything will proceed smoothly.”
Sheinbaum declared during the turbulence that there would be no safety issues come summer.
“All guarantees are in place. There is no [security] risk,” the president affirmed.
As of Tuesday, an ESPN source indicated no updates or additional information regarding potential changes to World Cup sites.
What’s next for Mexico? Are visiting nations concerned?
“We are aware of the current circumstances,” Aguirre commented prior to the match. “The Mexico Football Federation has assured me of everyone’s safety.”
“We’re present. We’re calm and relaxed, focusing on training and discussing sports… that’s the message I wish to convey to the fans as a football coach.”
While this serves as a positive sign for Mexico moving forward, some visiting nations are keeping a vigilant watch on developments following the cartel violence.
Weeks ahead of a significant match at Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca (now renamed Estadio Banorte), the Portuguese federation announced it is “closely monitoring the sensitive situation” in the country.
“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasizes that the safety of players, coaching staff, and fans is our absolute priority, which guides all evaluations and decisions concerning the match,” it stated.
Jamaica’s federation president Michael Ricketts shared his apprehensions about traveling to Guadalajara next month for interconfederation playoffs that decide World Cup qualification.
“The matches are at the end of March, so we still have some time to see how things unfold; but honestly, it’s making me quite nervous,” he confessed. “We’ll await instructions from Concacaf and FIFA regarding whether the games will proceed or if alternatives are being sought.”
At this time, no matches have been relocated from the country, and indications suggest that Mexico and its three host cities will remain part of the World Cup landscape. yet, the situation will be monitored closely moving forward.
