Security concerns rise as cartel violence disrupts World Cup preparations in Mexico
The 2026 World Cup faces mounting security concerns after violent cartel unrest engulfed Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and a venue for four group-stage fixtures this summer, reports BritPanorama.
Football matches across the country have already been disrupted, with top-flight games postponed and an international friendly between Mexico and Iceland cancelled by the Mexican Football Federation. The chaos erupted barely 100 days before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
Estadio Guadalajara is scheduled to host fixtures including a highly anticipated clash between Mexico and South Korea on June 18, followed by matches involving Colombia, Uruguay, and Spain. However, recent escalation in violence poses a threat to these events and the safety of participants and fans.
The violence was triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was killed by Mexican military forces during an operation in the municipality of Tapalpa on February 22, according to high-ranking officials. His death set off a wave of retaliatory attacks across Jalisco state, with cartel members erecting roadblocks using burning vehicles, a tactic typically employed to obstruct military movements.
Street fighting broke out as gunmen blocked roads, torched cars, and even launched an assault on Guadalajara’s airport. Witnesses described scenes resembling a war zone, with thick smoke rising over the region as armed gang members sought vengeance for their fallen leader. The Foreign Office updated its travel guidance on Sunday evening, warning British nationals of serious security incidents across Jalisco state.
The advisory urges travellers to exercise extreme caution and follow local authorities’ instructions, including orders to remain indoors and avoid all non-essential movement in affected areas. In response to the unrest, the US State Department instructed American citizens to shelter in place, and Canadian authorities have similarly advised against non-essential travel to several regions of Mexico.
As tensions continue to escalate, nearly 30 inbound flights from the United States, Mexico, and Canada were forced to turn back mid-air or divert to alternative airports. This left several thousand tourists stranded in Puerto Vallarta without means of departure, heightening concerns over the safety of both tourists and locals as the World Cup approaches.
Footage shared on social media captured travellers sprinting through Guadalajara airport amid fears as armed cartel members stormed the facility. Puerto Vallarta airport confirmed that all international operations and most domestic services had been cancelled, while urging passengers to remain calm and follow staff instructions. Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a state of emergency across the region, suspending public transport, cancelling mass gatherings, and halting in-person classes.
As preparations for one of the world’s largest sporting events continue, the specter of violence looms ominously. In a tournament where the spirit of competition should be celebrated, this disruption serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can overshadow such monumental occasions.
