In the wake of a dramatic surge in cartel violence, the eyes of the football world are fixed on Mexico as it prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The recent killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by Mexican military forces has thrown the nation into the global spotlight—not only for its football fever but also for its struggle with security concerns. Yet, despite the unrest, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Mexican authorities insist the tournament will go on as planned.
The operation to capture Oseguera Cervantes, which unfolded on Sunday, February 23, 2026, resulted in at least 70 deaths, including more than 25 soldiers. The violence erupted most fiercely in Jalisco, a region central to both the cartel’s operations and the World Cup festivities. Roadblocks, burning vehicles, and images of smoke billowing over Guadalajara quickly flooded social media, sparking anxiety among locals and international visitors alike. Four domestic soccer matches, including a Liga MX fixture between Queretaro and Juarez FC, were postponed as a direct result of the chaos.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is scheduled to host four matches during the World Cup, including Mexico’s highly anticipated second group-stage game and a marquee matchup between Spain and Uruguay. The state expects to welcome over three million visitors during the tournament, with thousands traveling from Southern California alone. But for many, the excitement is now tinged with uncertainty. “I’m more than worried. I’m nervous. I’m scared,” said Gerardo Tavárez, a 25-year-old Los Angeles resident and lifelong Mexico fan who had planned to attend matches with his family. Tavárez, who has already invested nearly $10,000 per person in tickets and travel, admitted, “I’ve discussed it with my family. It’s a possibility... I’d prefer everything to return to normal. I have to think about it.”
His concerns are echoed by fans and officials alike. Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation, whose team is set to play New Caledonia in a crucial intercontinental playoff at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on March 26, voiced his apprehensions: “The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest. We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions [on] whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options.” The Portuguese Soccer Federation is also monitoring the situation ahead of a planned friendly against Mexico in March.
Despite these worries, FIFA’s leadership remains steadfast. “We are in constant contact with the presidency of Mexico, with the authorities,” Infantino stated on February 25, 2026, according to the Miami Herald. “We have full trust in the authorities in Mexico, in President Claudia Sheinbaum and her team. We fully support them, because we live in a world where things happen. Good things and bad things, situations happen. We don’t live on the moon, we live here. We need to deal with it, we need to cope with it. We are monitoring the situation of course. But we have full, full confidence that everything will be great. Mexico is a football country. And the Mexicans, the authorities but also the people will do everything to ensure the World Cup, but also the playoffs, will be a celebration of football.”
President Claudia Sheinbaum herself has moved quickly to reassure both locals and international visitors. “They have every guarantee. There is no risk,” she declared during a morning press conference on February 24, 2026, while also accusing some social media accounts of amplifying misinformation. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro echoed these sentiments, emphasizing his coordination with federal and municipal forces to restore normality in the state. “There is no danger of Mexico losing its World Cup host status,” Lemus reiterated after meeting with FIFA officials.
Security experts have weighed in, suggesting that major global events like the World Cup are typically buttressed by robust safety arrangements. Manny Fernandez, a 21-year U.S. Secret Service veteran and vice president of global operations at FocusPoint International, remarked, “If [the cartels] could disrupt something like the World Cup with FIFA, they would be getting more involved with other entities, such as the U.S. government and the like, which would actually hinder their operation and they might not get any benefit from it.” Fernandez recommended that visitors avoid high-risk areas, travel in groups, and register with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed.
U.S. officials, too, have kept a close watch. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured Fox News on February 24, 2026, “We have not been notified of any reports of Americans being injured, kidnapped, or killed... and Mexican drug cartels know that they must not touch a single hair on any American or they will suffer serious consequences under this president.” The Mexican consul in Los Angeles, Carlos González Gutiérrez, urged reliance on official sources, noting that airports and most of Jalisco remain operational. “It is essential to refer to official sources,” he said, adding that most violence remains outside primary tourist corridors.
For Guadalajara residents, however, the debate continues. “I don’t think they should host the World Cup here,” said Hugo Alejandro Pérez to the Associated Press. “We have so many problems, and they want to invest in the World Cup? With all the violence, it’s not a good idea.” Meanwhile, some fans remain undeterred. “You have to stay positive. Think about how you’re going to make lots of friends,” said Juan Diego, a Culver City resident and World Cup veteran, as he traveled to see Mexico’s friendly against Iceland in Querétaro.
FIFA and fans will have an early test of Mexico’s readiness during upcoming international events. On February 29, 2026, UFC is set to hold a major event in Mexico City, and the new Azteca Stadium will soon be inaugurated as part of the World Cup festivities. The months ahead will see not just football, but also the world’s attention focused on how Mexico balances celebration with security.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, the situation remains fluid. For now, both FIFA and Mexican leaders are betting that the passion for football will triumph over fear, and that the world’s biggest sporting event will proceed as a true festival of the beautiful game in Mexico.