Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters on Tuesday that she believes there are no risks to be considered in regards to the country’s capacity to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
During her daily briefing with reporters in Mexico City, Sheinbaum addressed the fallout from Sunday’s military operation that resulted in the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”. Oseguera Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Following his death, the state of Jalisco, including the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, was under a state of emergency after purported cartel members burned businesses, cars and set up roadblocks throughout the region. Several violent gun battles between the cartel and the Mexican army also led to widespread chaos.
Guadalajara is one of three Mexican cities, along with Mexico City and Monterrey, that will host World Cup matches this summer, when the country co-hosts the tournament with the U.S. and Canada.
Jalisco’s Estadio Akron is set to host four World Cup games in June. Additionally, a World Cup qualifying playoff event is scheduled to take place at the stadium in late March.
A burnt car in Guadalajara following the violent clashes between cartel members and police (Carlos Zepeda / Getty Images)
When asked about security in Guadalajara during the World Cup, Sheinbaum responded that “all guarantees” would be in place. A follow up question regarding the safety of visitors who travel to Mexico, in particular Guadalajara, was met with similar confidence from Sheinbaum.
“No risks,” she said when asked if visitors would face risks in the host city.
Order throughout the Jalisco region has gradually improved following Sunday’s incidents. Sheinbaum confirmed that several road blockades had been cleared and that regional highways continue to improve. Air travel at Guadalajara’s international airport has also resumed, she said.
“The most important thing in all of this is that, as I said yesterday, our objective is security and peace, and that is what we are working on,” Sheinbaum added.
A FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic on Monday that the governing body “are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities”.
“We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies,” the spokesperson continued, “aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities.”