Mexico’s preparations to host matches at this year’s FIFA World Cup have been thrown into uncertainty following a surge of violence in Guadalajara after a major military operation targeting a notorious cartel leader.
The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to kick off in 108 days. Mexico is scheduled to stage 13 matches across Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara.
Cartel operation sparks unrest
Security concerns escalated after reports emerged that Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho” and linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a confrontation with security forces in Jalisco state.
Although authorities have not disclosed full details of the operation, the aftermath has been marked by roadblocks, vehicle fires and armed incidents in parts of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city.
Travel advisories updated
In response to the unrest, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada revised their travel advisories, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid affected areas.
Global Affairs Canada cited “high levels of violence and organized crime” in certain regions of the country.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red, temporarily suspending public transportation and cancelling public events and in-person classes as security forces worked to restore order.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show disruptions near Guadalajara’s airport, though officials have yet to confirm the full extent of the damage or whether there were casualties. Residents in several districts were advised to remain indoors.
Football fixtures affected
The unrest has already disrupted domestic football activities. The Mexican Football Federation confirmed the postponement of several matches, including top-flight and lower-division fixtures.
An international friendly between Mexico national football team and Iceland national football team, scheduled to take place in Queretaro, was also cancelled.
Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron is due to host four group-stage World Cup matches in June, including fixtures involving Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay and Spain. No knockout games are planned for the city.
So far, organisers have not announced any changes to the World Cup schedule. FIFA and local authorities are continuing to coordinate with federal security agencies as preparations move forward.
While unrest linked to immigration protests in parts of the United States has also drawn attention, the escalating violence in Jalisco currently represents Mexico’s most immediate security challenge ahead of the global tournament.
