Mexico’s security gamble ahead of FIFA World Cup

Even as Mexican authorities say order has largely been restored following the killing of a major cartel leader that triggered widespread violence, concerns over security persist as the Central American country prepares to co-host the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup.

This summer’s tournament — the biggest in history - will see 104 football matches played by 48 teams across three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Mexico is scheduled to host 13 matches: five in Mexico City and four each in Monterrey and Guadalajara. Guadalajara, located in Jalisco state, lies about two hours from the hideout where the drug boss was located and fatally wounded.

Even sooner, four qualifying matches are set for next month in Monterrey and Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, long considered the stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The group was previously led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, who was killed in a Mexican military operation on February 22.

His death was followed by a surge of violence across 20 states, including Nuevo León, where Monterrey is located, as armed groups carried out retaliatory attacks.

In the aftermath, officials — including President Claudia Sheinbaum, Jalisco’s governor, FIFA leadership and Mexican soccer authorities — have sought to reassure the public. Still, some national teams have privately acknowledged unease about playing in Mexico and have raised the possibility of relocating matches.

Football federations from several participating nations, including Jamaica, Bolivia and Portugal, have voiced concerns over security. President Sheinbaum has rejected suggestions that Mexico is unsafe for visitors or tournament fixtures. Earlier this week, she said Mexico had “all of the guarantees” to remain a host nation alongside the United States and Canada and that there was “no risk” to visitors.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino struck a similar tone, expressing “total confidence” in Mexico and Sheinbaum’s government.

“Things happen,” he said. “We don’t live on the moon or another planet. That’s why we have states; that’s why we have police, authorities who are going to ensure order and security.”

Mexico, already ranked among the world’s top 10 most-visited countries, is expected to welcome five million visitors during the tournament, bringing a significant economic boost. With so much at stake, officials are keen to project stability — and relocating long-planned World Cup matches would pose major logistical challenges.

However, at least one international sporting event has already been affected by the recent instability. The global governing body for swimming announced this week that a diving competition in the greater Guadalajara area had been cancelled due to travel restrictions imposed by some foreign embassies.

By Nazrin Sadigova