World Cup thrown into chaos after players flee pitch as gunshots fired at stadium

The 2026 World Cup has been thrown into chaos after players were seen fleeing the pitch after gunshots were heard during a match held at a host country.

This summer, the latest football World Cup will take place across the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

The first match of the tournament, between Mexico and South Africa, is set to take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, concerns are being raised due to ongoing gang-related violence.

On Sunday, it was reported that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, ‘El Mencho’ – formerly Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - had been killed in a security operation.

According to the BBC, 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.

In the wake of El Mencho's death, chaos ensued across the country, with cartel-related incidents erupting in cities like Guadalajara and Aguascalientes.

As reported by The Sun, gunshots were heard outside the Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes, which was hosting the Liga BBVA MX Femenil match between Necaxa and Queretaro.

According to the report and videos on social media, the match was thrown into chaos shortly after the second half as the referee was seen blowing her whistle before telling players to vacate the playing field.

Both sets of players were seen sprinting towards the tunnel, followed by the officials.

Mexican journalist Manuel Lopez San Martin posted a video on social media with a caption that read: "Panic in Aguascalientes. The Necaxa vs Querétaro women’s match is suspended due to possible gunshots outside Estadio Victoria."

Pánico en Aguascalientes

Se suspende el Necaxa vs Querétaro femenil por posibles detonaciones afuera del Estadio Victoria pic.twitter.com/AToDNrrzg3

— Manuel Lopez San Martin (@MLopezSanMartin) February 23, 2026

It was reported that the match resumed following a short break, with Necaxa coming away 2-1 winners.

Although Necaxa did not address the incident, the club did inform fans that a commemorative event scheduled to take place after the match was cancelled.

Club Necaxa wrote: "The commemorative event scheduled for this Sunday at Estadio Victoria, after the conclusion of the women’s match, has been cancelled.

"We appreciate your understanding and will promptly inform you of a new date."