Mexico president says ‘no-risk’ for FIFA World Cup games after cartel violence fuels concerns

New Delhi: Amid violence in the country after the killing of a top drug cartel boss, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has reassured that there is “no risk” for the fans who are set to visit the country for the FIFA World Cup 2026 later this year. Mexico is set to co-host the World Cup with the US and Canada this year.

The tournament will be played from June 11 to July 19. Despite the quadrennial extravaganza still a few months away, the recent violence in some states of Mexico has sparked concerns in the football world. The retaliatory violence was triggered after the death of “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, or CJNG).

El Mencho, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, died after getting severely injured during a firefight between Mexican military and the members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was being airlifted to the hospital after injuries, but was declared dead before arrival.

Violence erupted in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan as thousands of protestors took to the street after El Mencho’s death. The protestors blocked many roads, burnt vehicles and attacked the national guard bases. 25 soldiers and at least 34 cartel members, including El Mencho were killed in the firefight earlier this week.

While the violence has been curbed in many parts of the two states, some incidents continue to be reported. The latest violence has led to questions over Mexico hosting matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is also scheduled to host four matches in the tournament.

Mexico president assures fans’ safety at FIFA World Cup 2026

During her press briefing on Tuesday, Mexico president Sheinbaum was asked if Mexico was safe to host the matches in the FIFA World Cup. She said “no risk” and stressed the situation is under control. She said there are “all the guarantees” that the World Cup matches will be held in Mexico and asserted that the situation in violence-struck states are gradually returning to normal.

“Little by little, the situation is returning to normal,” said Sheinbaum.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also appeared content over Mexico’s preparedness to host the showpiece event, reassuring fans that there is no security threat despite the current violence in the country. “Everything’s good. It’s going to be spectacular,” Infantino said in the Colombian city of Barranquilla when asked about the situation in Mexico.