Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured football fans that there is “no risk” in traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent violence following the killing of a top cartel leader.
Violence broke out in parts of the country, especially in Jalisco, after security forces captured and killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” during a military raid on Sunday. In response, his loyalists set up roadblocks and set fire to buses and stores in different areas.
Speaking at her daily morning press conference on Tuesday, Sheinbaum said the situation is now returning to normal. She confirmed that security forces are working to protect the public and ensure full safety for visitors.
Mexico will host matches in three cities — Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. A total of 13 out of 104 World Cup matches will be played in Mexico, including four matches in Guadalajara. The country will also host several warm-up games before the tournament begins on June 11.
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, said he feels “very calm” about Mexico’s preparations and added that the tournament will be “spectacular.” A FIFA spokesperson also said the organization is closely monitoring the situation and is working with federal, state, and local authorities to maintain public safety.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus confirmed that the state will continue its full participation in the tournament and that there are no plans to remove any venues from Mexico.
Due to the violence, some local league matches scheduled for Sunday were postponed. Similar incidents have happened in the past, especially in Sinaloa, where arrests of major cartel figures have led to retaliation, including shootouts and vehicles being set on fire.
Sheinbaum said her government remains committed to peace and will continue the policy approach followed by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which focuses on addressing the root causes of violence. When asked if the killing of Oseguera marked a change in policy, she said, “We are looking for peace, not war.”
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