FIFA stance on hosting World Cup games in Guadalajara amid cartel violence

FIFA are reportedly concerned about Guadalajara’s readiness to host 2026 World Cup matches amid a wave of gang violence across several Mexican cities ahead of the tournament.

On Sunday (February 22), it emerged that Mexico’s most wanted man and the leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, ‘El Mencho’ – formerly Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – had been killed during a security operation seeking his arrest while he was travelling to Mexico City following violent clashes.

As reported by BBC News, four members of the cartel were injured in the central-western state of Jalisco, while three members of the Mexican armed forces were also injured in violent exchanges.

The US State Department had previously offered a £11.1 million reward for information linked to the drug lord’s capture.

Following the death of ‘El Mencho’, violence has spread across the country, with the cartel burning vehicles in retaliation.

Blazes could be seen for miles around, with smoke rising over a number of cities, including Guadalajara, which is set to host four World Cup matches, including Mexico’s second group fixture on June 18.

Violence has erupted across Mexico (Credit:Getty)

The Mexican Air Force and National Guard have since been deployed, with the nation’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, telling citizens to remain “calm” despite the violent outbreaks.

Flights were cancelled as a result, while Liga MX matches were postponed due to safety concerns.

Around 250 roadblocks were in place, with 65 of these in Jalisco, according to CBS. The Mexican security cabinet also confirmed that 25 people had been arrested for a combination of violent acts and alleged looting and pillaging.

So, could the tensions impact Guadalajara’s ability to host World Cup matches?

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, despite FIFA not publicly commenting on the situation, “sources familiar with planning have acknowledged a high level of concern over whether conditions on the ground can ensure the safety expected at a global sporting event of this scale”.

Estadio Guadalajara is set to host four World Cup matches (Credit:Getty)

Guadalajara and Monterrey are also set to host play-off games in March, with Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname, as well as Congo DR and Iraq, competing for the final two places at the upcoming tournament.

Could FIFA strip Guadalajara of hosting matches?

World football’s governing body could, in fact, strip Guadalajara or any other host city of the right to host games.

As per the 2026 FIFA World Cup regulations, the body has the right to “cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns”.

Meanwhile, speaking to SPORTbible earlier in February, Jack Anderson, Professor of Sports Law at the University of Melbourne, explained: “Under the contracts in place, FIFA has broad powers to unilaterally terminate the arrangement with the host country and city”, but only if they could justify an ‘extraordinary’ ground of termination.

SPORTbible has contacted FIFA for comment