‘No Risk To World Cup Fans’, Says Mexican President After Cartel Violence

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, on Tuesday, assured football fans of their safety ahead of the 2026 World Cup matches scheduled to be played in the city of Guadalajara, despite recent violence linked to a major drug cartel.

Sheinbaum offered “full guarantees” for the protection of visitors and maintained that there was “no risk” to supporters expected in the city in June for four World Cup fixtures.

Her comments come in the wake of violent clashes that followed the reported killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.

Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most wanted criminal figures in both Mexico and the United States, was killed during a military operation about 130 kilometres (80 miles) from Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, on Sunday.

Following his death, cartel members launched retaliatory attacks, engaging security forces in gun battles across parts of Mexico. The clashes left dozens dead, including soldiers and suspected cartel fighters, and forced residents and tourists to seek safety indoors.

As Mexican authorities reassure fans, FIFA, football’s world governing body, was yet to comment on the situation.

Authorities said calm was gradually returning to Jalisco, with businesses expected to reopen on Tuesday, while schools were set to resume on Wednesday.

Guadalajara is one of three Mexican cities selected to host matches during the World Cup tournament, which will be jointly staged by the United States, Mexico and Canada.