Chaos In Mexico After Cartel Boss’s Death: Can They Still Host The World Cup?
Mexico erupts in chaos after a cartel boss’s death, discover how this unrest could impact the country’s World Cup hosting plans!
Mexico faces unprecedented turmoil after the death of a notorious cartel leader, sparking violence and uncertainty across the nation. As tensions rise, questions emerge about the country’s ability to safely host the upcoming World Cup and ensure security for players, fans, and officials.
In this The Modern Media Sphere, we explore the recent events. The potential risks, and what it could mean for Mexico’s global sporting ambitions.
Estadio Akron And Its Vulnerabilities
The Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, home of Chivas de Guadalajara, is set to host four group-stage matches for the 2026 World Cup. Its single access road has long been a concern for authorities.
Traffic congestion is common around the stadium, but recent events have intensified worries about fan safety and logistical challenges. On February 22, 2026, a bus was set on fire approximately 1.5 kilometers from the stadium.
Near a karting track honoring Mexican F1 driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez. This incident underlined the vulnerability of critical routes, raising questions about emergency preparedness during major international events.
CJNG Retaliation Sparks Nationwide Unrest
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated after federal authorities killed their leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. Cartel members blocked roads, burned buses, taxis, and targeted stores across Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, a tactic known as narcobloqueos.
Costco in Puerto Vallarta and several grocery stores were damaged, prompting the government to activate a red alert protocol and restrict public movement. Bars, restaurants, and sports venues were closed temporarily, highlighting the broad societal impact of cartel violence in the region.
Sporting Events Disrupted By Violence
Several football matches were directly affected. The women’s Clasico Nacional between Chivas and Club América was postponed due to the unrest. Liga MX matches more than 320 kilometers away in Querétaro also experienced delays, despite no confirmed narcobloqueos there at the time.
These disruptions demonstrate the difficulty of ensuring safe sporting events in areas prone to organized crime and violent retaliation. The historical context of such violence has already shaped public perception, with many questioning whether Mexico can guarantee security during the World Cup.
Historical Context: Violence And Football In Mexico
Mexico’s football venues have previously been affected by violence. In August 2011, gunfire outside Santos Laguna’s Estadio Corona forced players to retreat to locker rooms while fans sought cover.
Similarly, Dorados in Sinaloa had to relocate home matches due to cartel conflicts, affecting league schedules and team operations. These events reveal a long-standing pattern of criminal groups disrupting public gatherings, particularly sports, undermining the reputation of Mexican football.
As reported by national security columnist Oscar Balderas on Senin (23/2/2026), the government remains cautious about operations that could destabilize World Cup host cities.
Questions Over World Cup Readiness
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, concerns about Mexico’s preparedness have intensified. Operations targeting cartel leaders could trigger further instability, potentially endangering fans and residents.
Balderas noted that Mexico requested the U.S. avoid action against El Mencho before the tournament to prevent violence in host cities. FIFA relies on host nations to ensure the safety of players, officials, and spectators.
The ongoing unrest presents a challenge for both domestic authorities and international organizers. As global attention turns to Mexico, questions remain: can the nation provide the necessary security measures to protect its World Cup ambitions while managing ongoing cartel-related risks?
Image Source:
- First Image from pakakumi.net
- Second Image from kompas.com
