Headache for FIFA as Violence rocks 2026 World Cup host cities in Mexico

With less than four months to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, world football body FIFA is facing serious concerns after a fresh wave of violence in Mexico, one of the tournament’s host countries.

The violence started after Mexican security forces killed one of the country’s most wanted drug lords, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” He was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

According to authorities, he was wounded during a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco State, and later died while being flown to Mexico City. The United States had placed a $15 million bounty on him.

Following his death, cartel members carried out coordinated attacks in more than 15 Mexican states. They set buses and buildings on fire, blocked major highways, and forced schools to shut down. About 25 soldiers were reportedly killed in the violence.

States affected include Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas. In Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and one of the cities set to host World Cup matches, residents stayed indoors as panic spread. Videos on social media showed people running through the airport, while smoke rose over tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta.

Some vehicles were burned near stadium areas, raising security concerns. Local matches were postponed over the weekend, and some countries issued travel warnings. Schools in several states were closed on Monday.

This security crisis, combined with stricter U.S. immigration and visa policies under President Donald Trump, could create logistical challenges for the World Cup. Increased visa fees and possible travel bans may discourage some fans from travelling to the tournament.

As a result, some stakeholders are asking FIFA to consider moving Mexico’s World Cup matches to the United States or Canada, while others believe the situation should be closely monitored before any decision is made.

Meanwhile, FIFA has announced the official schedule for the FIFA Series 2026, an international friendly tournament that will take place during the March and April 2026 international window. The competition was approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022 as part of its 2023–2027 strategic plan.

The 2026 edition will feature 48 national teams, including both men’s and women’s teams. The teams will compete in 12 groups of four, hosted by 11 FIFA member countries across different regions. Rwanda will host two of the groups.

Nine groups will feature men’s teams, while three groups will include women’s teams. All six FIFA confederations will be represented.

According to FIFA, the goal of the FIFA Series is to help national teams especially emerging football nations gain international experience by playing competitive matches against teams from different parts of the world.