MEXICO CITY—In the wake of severe cartel violence that erupted across Jalisco state, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has issued a firm pledge to ensure absolute safety for international football spectators attending World Cup matches in Guadalajara this June.
The assurance comes after a weekend of intense conflict triggered by the Mexican military’s operation that resulted in the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as ‘El Mencho,’ leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The firefights between cartel members and security forces resulted in significant casualties on both sides, causing widespread panic among tourists and local residents.
Despite the recent turmoil, President Sheinbaum emphasized that the situation is now under control, stating unequivocally that visitors face ‘no risk’ during the tournament. The Mexican government is implementing enhanced security protocols to protect the four scheduled matches in Guadalajara, one of three host cities in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup, jointly organized with the United States and Canada.
FIFA, football’s global governing body, has maintained silence regarding the security concerns, offering no official comment on the violent incidents. Meanwhile, normalcy gradually returns to Jalisco as businesses resumed operations Tuesday, with educational institutions scheduled to reopen Wednesday.
The successful hosting of World Cup matches represents a critical test for Mexico’s ongoing battle against organized crime and its ability to guarantee security for major international events.