Guadalajara at heart of World Cup security concerns | OneFootball

Fresh violence in Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, has pushed security back to the forefront before the 2026 World Cup, with Guadalajara at the centre of concern. According to Le Progres, FIFA is monitoring the situation in Jalisco closely.

Guadalajara saw shuttered shops, empty streets and burnt vehicles after the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader was killed on Sunday in a military operation, with reprisals leaving several dozen dead.

With fewer than four months until 11 June to 19 July, when Mexico co-hosts with the United States and Canada, 13 matches are slated for Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. A near-term test is the intercontinental play-off semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on 26 March.

Researcher Michel Gandilhon considers Guadalajara the only real unknown, saying the power vacuum could shift balances and spark demonstrative reactions. He views Mexico City and Monterrey as less exposed and stresses the difference between overall security and securing a one-off event. No incidents have been reported in the capital.

War photographer Jonathan Alpeyrie downplays the flare-ups, arguing they hurt cartel business and usually ebb quickly, echoing Gandilhon’s view that aimless chaos brings no reward.

Officials strike a reassuring tone. President Claudia Sheinbaum says all guarantees will be in place for Guadalajara’s World Cup fixtures and that she sees no risk for travelling supporters in June. For now, no change to the tournament schedule has been raised, though recent clashes underline that security will remain a key issue.

Source: Le Progres