FIFA monitoring situation in Guadalajara after cartel-linked violence disrupts fixtures

FIFA says it is ‘closely monitoring’ the security situation in Guadalajara after a wave of cartel-related violence forced the postponement of four matches in Mexico and cast an uneasy spotlight on one of the country’s designated venues for the 2026 World Cup.

The governing body confirmed it is in constant contact with authorities in Jalisco state, where unrest erupted following a military operation that resulted in the death of alleged cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho”.

Oseguera, identified by Mexico’s defence ministry as the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died in custody after sustaining injuries during a special forces raid along the Pacific coast.

News of his death triggered retaliatory acts across several states, with suspected cartel members blocking highways using burning vehicles and setting businesses ablaze. Although no civilian fatalities were reported, the unrest prompted immediate security reviews in key urban centres, including Guadalajara.

“At FIFA Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities,” a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters.

“We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities.”

The disturbance directly affected domestic football. Mexico’s top flight announced that Sunday’s men’s fixture between Queretaro and FC Juarez, along with the women’s Clasico between Chivas and Club America, had been postponed indefinitely.

Two second division matches were also called off. In Aguascalientes, a women’s league encounter between Necaxa and Queretaro was briefly suspended after players ran for cover amid reports of gunshots outside Estadio Victoria. The game later resumed, with Necaxa prevailing 2-1.

Estadio Akron, situated in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, is scheduled to host World Cup fixtures in 2026 and will stage playoff matches involving Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s national team is preparing to face Iceland in a friendly in Queretaro, as aviation disruptions by Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines further underline the wider impact of the crisis.