Mexico City, Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “no risk” to fans traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following violence after the capture and death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera. She said authorities had put “all the guarantees” for safety in place for the tournament.
Security situation and government response
Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference that the situation was normalizing, with security forces working to safeguard the public. The unrest followed a military raid on Sunday in which Oseguera was slain, prompting loyalists to set up roadblocks and torch buses and stores in retaliation.
FIFA monitoring and statements
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters on Tuesday that he was feeling “very calm” about Mexico hosting the tournament and said, “Everything is going to be spectacular.” A FIFA spokesperson said the organization was closely monitoring the situation and was in close contact with authorities.
“We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities,” the spokesperson said.
Jalisco confirmation and host venues
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus on Tuesday reaffirmed the state’s participation in the tournament and confirmed a series of upcoming events in the region. “There is absolutely no intention on FIFA’s part to remove any venues from Mexico. The three venues remain completely firm,” Lemus said.
Matches are expected to be held in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state. Mexico is set to host 13 of 104 World Cup matches, including four in Guadalajara, and will also host preliminary warm-up matches before the tournament opens on June 11.
Domestic football disruption
Local Mexican leagues postponed some matches that had been scheduled for Sunday, the day cartel members coordinated a series of violent attacks across the country after an operation to capture Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”
What impact do you think the recent violence could have on travel plans for fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
