What Is Happening in Mexico? Is the 2026 World Cup at Risk?
Mexico is facing a wave of violent unrest following reports of the killing of El Mencho, the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In the aftermath, armed groups linked to the organization have reportedly launched coordinated attacks across multiple states, triggering fears over security — including concerns about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Escalating Violence Across Eight States
According to local reports, the violence has spread across eight Mexican states. Armed groups have been accused of blocking highways, setting vehicles and buildings on fire, attacking infrastructure, and engaging in firefights with security forces. Civilian areas have also been affected.
The epicenter of the clashes is Guadalajara — Mexico’s second-largest city and the capital of Jalisco state. Guadalajara is scheduled to host four matches during the 2026 World Cup.
Roads in parts of the city have reportedly been blocked, public transport services suspended, and businesses temporarily closed. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers, with military patrols visible in several districts. Reports also suggest attempted attacks near regional airports, adding to concerns about broader instability.
Football Directly Impacted
The unrest has already disrupted domestic football competitions.
Several Liga MX matches, along with two second-division games, were postponed due to security concerns. One of the most dramatic incidents occurred during a women’s league match between Necaxa and Querétaro, which was halted in the first half after explosions and gunfire were reportedly heard near the stadium. Spectators evacuated in panic, while players were escorted to secure areas inside the venue.
These events have inevitably raised questions about Mexico’s readiness to host a major international tournament.
What About the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — marking the first time the tournament is shared by three nations. Mexico is scheduled to host 16 matches across several cities, including Guadalajara.
FIFA has condemned the violence but has not issued any statements suggesting that matches will be relocated or that Mexico’s hosting rights are under immediate review.
Security concerns in certain regions of Mexico were already a topic of discussion before the recent escalation. However, with the tournament just months away, any potential relocation would present enormous logistical and financial challenges.
Moving 16 matches to other host nations on short notice would require stadium reallocation, ticket redistribution, security restructuring, and commercial renegotiations. A full postponement of the tournament would be even more complex and financially damaging.
Is Relocation Realistic?
At this stage, the probability of the World Cup being moved away from Mexico appears low.
Relocating matches would involve significant financial losses and operational difficulties. The infrastructure planning has been finalized for years, and altering the host structure now would be extraordinarily difficult. With limited time remaining, FIFA is likely to monitor the situation closely rather than make immediate structural changes.
For now, the key question remains whether Mexican authorities can restore stability quickly enough to reassure international stakeholders, teams, and supporters.
The coming weeks will be crucial. While a complete withdrawal of Mexico as host remains unlikely, security developments in Guadalajara and other affected regions will undoubtedly be under intense global scrutiny.
Published by Patrick Jane
23.02.2026