Mexico, Feb 24 (UNI/SPUTNIK) World soccer’s governing body FIFA is considering relocating 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs — and potentially main tournament matches- out of Mexico following a surge of cartel-related violence after the killing of El Mencho in a military operation, The Athletic reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.
On February 22, the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense captured a boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” He later died from his injuries while being transported to Mexico City. CJNG retaliated with violence across multiple states, imposing roadblocks and setting fire to buildings and vehicles. Several men’s and women’s national league football matches were postponed amid the unrest.
Mexico is set to host the playoffs from March 26-31. A senior FIFA official told The Athletic that the organization was deeply worried and could relocate the games without prompt security assurances.
Though local authorities started restoring order by Monday evening and FIFA’s public statement was that it had “full confidence” in all three host countries, the fate of the matches in Mexico remains uncertain.
The tournament includes 13 games in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, including the opening match. FIFA would consider shifting main-round matches only as a last resort, and only if security officials and sponsors raise grave concerns, The Athletic reported.
Additionally, fans have snapped up tens of thousands of tickets and booked pricey hotels, forcing FIFA to cover losses if games move, according to the report.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will, for the first time, feature 48 teams and be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.
