The violence erupted after El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a military operation on February 22. In the days that followed, several regions witnessed incidents of arson, road blockades and attacks targeting infrastructure and security forces.
Cities including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta reported unrest, raising fears among residents and international visitors. Viral visuals of vehicles and commercial establishments set ablaze intensified concerns, especially with the World Cup just months away.
FIFA to Assess Safety and Transport Plans
President Sheinbaum said that FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke with her and conveyed “full confidence” in Mexico’s hosting capabilities. However, both sides agreed that a FIFA team would visit the country to examine security and transport logistics.
“We have been working on preparations for a long time, but security is particularly important,” Sheinbaum said, adding that authorities have already restored normalcy in affected areas.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will mark the first time the tournament is staged across three countries.
Mexico’s Role in the 2026 World Cup
Mexico is set to host 13 matches across three major cities Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The country has previously hosted the tournament twice, in 1970 and 1986, and is widely regarded as one of football’s most passionate destinations.
Before the recent unrest, projections estimated that Mexico could receive between 5 million and 5.5 million international visitors during the tournament. Economic impact assessments suggested potential revenues of nearly $3 billion from tourism and related sectors.
Authorities Reassure Fans
Mexican officials have stressed that the violence was an exceptional situation linked to a specific operation and that law enforcement agencies have regained control. The government has assured FIFA and participating nations that comprehensive safety protocols remain in place.
Sheinbaum emphasised that ongoing coordination between federal forces, local authorities and international stakeholders would ensure a secure environment for players and fans alike.
Calls to Shift Matches Rejected
In the wake of disturbing footage circulating online, some observers called for matches scheduled in Mexico to be shifted to other host nations. However, there has been no official indication from FIFA that such measures are being considered.
Infantino reportedly reassured Mexican leadership that the World Cup would proceed as planned. The upcoming review visit is expected to focus on stadium security, emergency response systems, transportation routes and crowd management plans.
Global Spotlight on Host Nations
As one of the largest sporting events in the world, the FIFA World Cup attracts intense global scrutiny. Ensuring safety is critical not only for fans but also for international teams, sponsors and broadcasters.
Indian football enthusiasts and travellers planning to attend the tournament are advised to follow official updates from FIFA and relevant diplomatic channels.
Balancing Security and Celebration
The Mexican government faces the dual challenge of restoring public confidence while maintaining the celebratory spirit associated with the World Cup. Large-scale deployments of security personnel and coordination with international agencies are likely to intensify in the coming months.
While the recent violence has cast a shadow over preparations, officials insist that Mexico remains ready to welcome the world. The upcoming FIFA inspection will play a key role in reinforcing that message.
With the tournament just months away, attention now shifts to how effectively Mexico can balance security imperatives with the excitement of hosting football’s biggest spectacle.