BB.The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the biggest tournament in history — and Mexico wants the world to remember the spectacular goals, not the off-field anxieties.
The Mexican president asserted there was no risk to tourists attending the 2026 World Cup, claiming effective measures are being taken to crack down on gang crime.
“The situation in Jalisco is gradually returning to normal,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a press conference on February 24, referring to the western state engulfed in violence as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated for the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed “El Mencho.”
The Mexican president affirmed that there was no risk to tourists attending the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. She stressed that the government has “full security measures in place” for 13 of the 104 World Cup matches that Mexico will host alongside the United States and Canada.
President Sheinbaum confirmed that the government has restored traffic on several roads and highways that were blocked by the CJNG in the past few days. The international airport in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, has also reopened.
“Our top priority is security and peace. We are working towards these goals,” the Mexican President said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaking on February 23rd in Mexico City about the operation that killed drug lord El Mencho. Photo: AP
A FIFA spokesperson said the organization is closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and maintaining regular contact with officials. FIFA will continue to closely follow and support the Mexican government’s measures for public safety and the restoration of normalcy.
Violence erupted in Mexico following a weekend military operation to capture CJNG leader El Mencho. In the ensuing shootout, the gang leader was seriously wounded and died en route to the hospital.
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Gunmen loyal to El Mencho launched a series of retaliatory attacks, blocking nearly 100 major transportation routes and attacking National Guard bases, particularly in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan. The fighting resulted in the deaths of at least 25 soldiers and 34 gang members.
