Mexico has assured full security for FIFA World Cup visitors after deadly cartel violence erupted following the killing of drug lord El Mencho, with authorities insisting tournament cities remain safe for fans.
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Mexico’s government has moved to calm global concerns ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, insisting visitors will remain safe despite a surge of violence following the killing of one of the country’s most feared drug cartel leaders.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “no risk” to fans traveling for World Cup matches after security forces killed notorious cartel boss Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, during a military operation over the weekend.
The Mexican military launched a dawn raid to detain the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, triggering a fierce firefight in which he was fatally wounded before dying while being airlifted to a hospital.
Retaliatory violence spreads
Following confirmation of El Mencho’s death, cartel gunmen unleashed coordinated retaliation across multiple regions, blocking nearly 100 major highways, torching vehicles, and launching attacks on National Guard installations, particularly in the western states of Jalisco and Michoacán.
Authorities reported at least 25 soldiers and 34 cartel fighters killed during clashes, marking one of the most intense security confrontations in recent years.
Although violence largely subsided by Monday, sporadic incidents were still reported in rural municipalities, raising concerns about stability ahead of the global football tournament.
World Cup cities on alert
Mexico is set to co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, with matches scheduled in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.
Guadalajara, one of the cities temporarily paralysed by cartel violence, is due to host four matches, while Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca will again serve as a centerpiece venue.
Sheinbaum said normal life was gradually returning to affected regions, adding that authorities were working closely with international partners to guarantee security.
“Little by little, the situation is returning to normal,” she said during a daily press briefing.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the governing body remains in constant communication with Mexican authorities and continues monitoring developments.
Political tensions escalate
The security crisis has also spilled into political controversy after tech billionaire Elon Musk accused Sheinbaum on social media of taking instructions from cartel figures — comments the Mexican president said could lead to legal action.
She rejected criticism linking the operation to past militarized anti-drug campaigns, stressing that her administration seeks stability rather than escalation.
“We’re looking for peace, not war,” Sheinbaum said. “That is the difference.”
Long-term risks remain
Security analysts warn that eliminating cartel leaders often leads to internal power struggles, historically fueling violence as rival factions compete for control — a pattern seen since Mexico’s military crackdown on organized crime began two decades ago.
Despite the recent unrest, Mexican officials maintain that World Cup preparations remain on track, emphasizing that enhanced security measures will be in place to protect players, teams, and millions of expected international visitors.
