World Cup eve: Mexico president says ‘no risk’ in Guadalajara | OneFootball

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, dismissed on Tuesday any risks for fans visiting Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, after a drug cartel offensive sparked fear in the city and much of the country on Sunday.

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Sheinbaum stated in a press conference that there is “no risk” for visitors and offered “all guarantees” so that the metropolis in western Mexico can host the four matches scheduled for June.

On Sunday, criminal violence erupted in the region after the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation.

During the operation and subsequent clashes, at least 27 security agents, 46 alleged criminals, and one civilian were killed, authorities reported on Monday.

The CJNG responded to the offensive by setting fire to vehicles and commercial establishments and blocking roads in 20 of the country’s 32 states, less than four months before the start of the tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19.

In Mexico City and Monterrey, the other Mexican host cities for the World Cup – which will also be held in the United States and Canada – there were no violent incidents.

A FIFA spokesperson told AFP that, for now, the organization will not comment on the security of the competition.

  See this photo on Instagram   A post shared by FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup)

Return to Normality

Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, was the most wanted drug lord by the American government, which offered a reward of 15 million dollars (R$ 78 million).

The 59-year-old leader commanded the CJNG, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world, designated by Washington as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025.

The cartel’s reaction caused fear in cities such as Puerto Vallarta, a Pacific resort frequented by tourists and residents from Canada and the United States.

Sheinbaum stated that the situation “is gradually returning to normal” and that the airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are operating without problems.

On Monday there were between six and seven roadblocks, but “all were removed,” she said.

According to the government of Jalisco, economic activities will resume this Tuesday and classes will restart on Wednesday.

Two soccer matches were suspended on Sunday in Jalisco and another in the state of Querétaro.

In addition to four group stage matches, including Uruguay vs. Spain, Guadalajara will host, along with Monterrey, the playoff tournament that, at the end of March, will determine the last two qualified teams.

Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Suriname will participate.

*With content from AFP

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.