2026 World Cup: Mexico, FIFA Hold Security Talks Amid Concerns After Drug Cartel Violence

2026 World Cup: Mexico, FIFA Hold Security Talks Amid Concerns After Drug Cartel Violence

By Admin 

Representatives of world football’s governing body, FIFA, met with Mexican security officials on Wednesday to review safety arrangements for matches scheduled to take place in the country during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The meeting came amid heightened security concerns following a wave of violence in several Mexican states last week. The unrest erupted after a military operation that led to the capture and death of alleged drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes—also known as “El Mencho”—the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Mexico’s federal security secretary, Omar García Harfuch, said authorities and FIFA officials examined intelligence assessments and operational plans designed to ensure the safety of players, officials and fans during the global tournament.

“We reviewed the intelligence, prevention and operational deployment protocols that will be implemented during this international event,” García Harfuch said in a statement shared on social media.

Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The country is scheduled to stage 13 matches across three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

The opening match of the tournament—featuring Mexico national football team against South Africa national football team—is set to take place on June 11 at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stadium, currently undergoing extensive renovations, is expected to reopen later this month with a friendly match between Mexico and the Portugal national football team on March 28. Once upgrades are complete, the venue is projected to hold approximately 87,000 spectators.

Wednesday’s security meeting also included members of Mexico’s Security Cabinet and authorities from Mexico City as well as the states of Jalisco and Nuevo León.

Earlier, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said federal and state security forces were fully prepared to ensure a safe tournament for visitors and participants alike.

“Security is guaranteed, and there is sufficient surveillance and inspection to ensure that absolutely no problems occur,” Sheinbaum said during her daily press briefing, adding that the country aims to host a “great and peaceful World Cup.”

In addition to World Cup fixtures and the upcoming friendly against Portugal, Guadalajara and Monterrey will also stage the six-team inter-confederation playoff that will determine two of the final spots in the tournament. The participating nations include the Jamaica national football team, Iraq national football team, DR Congo national football team, Suriname national football team, New Caledonia national football team and Bolivia national football team.

President Sheinbaum also held a telephone conversation last week with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who expressed confidence in Mexico’s ability to co-host the tournament despite the recent violence.

The unrest was concentrated in the state of Jalisco, the stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, where clashes erupted on February 22 following the reported capture and killing of Oseguera Cervantes in the town of Tapalpa in southern Jalisco. Authorities said the violence spread to multiple states, with reports of burned vehicles, looted businesses and blocked roads.