What cartel violence means for World Cup games in Mexico and possibility of relocating playoffs
One official said FIFA was worried by chaotic scenes after the death of a cartel boss
“The Sunday killing of Mexican drug lord Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, and retaliatory violence in and around Guadalajara, has raised safety concerns before the 2026 World Cup, which will feature four games in Jalisco, the Mexican state most affected by the unrest. A World Cup qualifying playoff event is scheduled to take place at Jalisco’s Estadio Akron in late March, while the venue is also due to host four World Cup group games in June. The unrest sparked considerable concerns Sunday and Monday morning, and within FIFA, one senior official, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said the organization had been gripped by worry amid the chaotic scenes playing out across news channels globally. The official also warned that the playoff games may become vulnerable to relocation if FIFA cannot be swiftly satisfied that all participants and stakeholders will be safe. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
NY Times/The Athletic: Violence in Mexico forces suspension of soccer games; Mexican Open to go ahead
Queretaro (in red) will be forced to play their league match on a later date