Mexico's President Guarantees Safety for 2026 World Cup Visitors
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly stated there is "no risk" to international fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Mexico, despite recent deadly cartel violence that erupted after the military killed a notorious drug lord. Sheinbaum emphasized during her Tuesday press conference that "all the guarantees" for security are fully established for the tournament, where Mexico is scheduled to host thirteen out of the total 104 World Cup games.
Violence Erupts After Cartel Leader's Death
The assurance comes in the wake of significant unrest triggered by the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the founder and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexican forces attempted to detain Oseguera Cervantes in Jalisco state on Sunday, resulting in his killing. This incident sparked widespread retaliatory attacks by his loyalists, particularly in Jalisco, where the cartel is based and derives its name.
The operation and subsequent violence led to approximately 70 fatalities and prompted multiple airlines to temporarily suspend flights to affected regions of the country. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is set to host four World Cup matches in 2026, with Mexico City and Monterrey hosting the remaining nine games in Mexico.
FIFA and Local Officials Express Confidence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters on Tuesday that he feels "very calm" about Mexico's role as a host nation for the upcoming summer tournament, confidently predicting that "everything is going to be spectacular." A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the organization is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining continuous communication with Mexican authorities.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus reinforced this stance, asserting there is "absolutely no intention on FIFA's part to remove any venues from Mexico." He confirmed that all three Mexican host cities remain firmly scheduled for the event.
Security Strategy and Political Context
President Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president and a political protege of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, addressed concerns about a potential shift in security policy. She has largely adhered to Lopez Obrador's "hugs not bullets" approach, which focuses on addressing poverty and other root causes of violence rather than direct confrontation.
When questioned if the killing of Oseguera Cervantes marked a departure from this strategy, Sheinbaum clarified it does not. "The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war," she explained. She noted that security forces are actively working to normalize the situation and protect the public.
Historical precedents in Sinaloa state, where arrests of top cartel figures have previously triggered similar retaliatory violence including shootouts and vehicle arson, underscore the challenges. However, Sheinbaum's administration remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for the millions of expected World Cup visitors, with ongoing efforts to stabilize affected areas and uphold security protocols ahead of the global sporting event.
