Concerns are mounting among experts and the public regarding Mexico’s ability to safely host portions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These worries follow a severe escalation of drug cartel violence that erupted across several regions of the country starting last Sunday, as reported on February 23, 2026.
The outbreak of violence is attributed primarily to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and feared criminal organizations. The cartel initiated widespread gun battles with the Mexican military, implemented roadblocks, and engaged in acts of arson, burning vehicles and shops. This surge in aggression is understood to be a direct response to the recent killing of their notorious leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” during a major military operation conducted across Mexico.
The unrest first ignited in the central and western state of Jalisco, where authorities swiftly declared a state of heightened security. However, the violence has since tragically spread to at least ten other regions. Disturbing video footage circulated online depicts groups of gunmen causing chaos on city streets, with thick plumes of smoke seen enveloping several urban centers. In a grim toll, at least 25 National Guard officers were reported to have been killed within a 24-hour period.
The city of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and a bustling metropolis home to over a million residents, is a key host city for the upcoming World Cup. It is currently scheduled to host four matches between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Additionally, eight matches are planned for Mexico City, and another four for Monterrey in Nuevo León state.
In the wake of these escalating clashes between the CJNG and Mexican armed forces, a growing number of citizens, particularly football fans, are publicly calling for the cancellation or relocation of the 2026 World Cup matches scheduled for Mexico. Some voices are urging FIFA to consider moving these games to the co-host nations, the United States and Canada, to ensure the safety of players, officials, and spectators. Reflecting the severity of the situation, several domestic Mexican football league matches, including those in the top division, have already been suspended indefinitely.
As of the latest reports, FIFA, the international governing body of football, has not yet issued any official statement concerning the ongoing security crisis or the calls for relocation. Attempts to contact FIFA for comment have been made.
