Guadalajara Erupts: FIFA Monitors World Cup Host City Amidst Riots

Mexican football disrupted by violence, including gunshots at women's match in Aguascalientes

FIFA monitors Guadalajara, a 2026 World Cup host city, after violence erupts following cartel leader's death. Four football matches postponed in Mexico due to riots and gunshots near Guadalajara.

“We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety...”

Suspected cartel members blockaded highways with burning cars and torched businesses in over half a dozen states after reports of El Mencho's death, with no civilian deaths reported. Tourists in Puerto Vallarta, a popular beach resort in Jalisco, shared their fright on social media, describing plumes of dark smoke rising from around the bay.

Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico, and American Airlines, suspended flights in the area due to the unrest. The situation has raised concerns about safety in the region, especially with the 2026 World Cup scheduled to take place in Mexico, including in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco.

“At FIFA Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation ‌in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities,” a FIFA ‌spokesperson told Reuters.

“We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration ‌with federal, state, and local authorities.”

Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara is gearing up to host World Cup matches this summer, including playoff matches between Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia from March 26-31. The stadium is one of three Mexican venues selected for the event.

The Mexican league has postponed two top-tier games scheduled for Sunday - Queretaro vs FC Juarez in the men's league and Chivas vs Club America in the women's league - indefinitely. Additionally, two second-division matches scheduled for Sunday were also called off, according to local media reports.

A women's match between Necaxa and Queretaro in Aguascalientes was suspended due to loud noises, reportedly gunshots, outside Estadio Victoria. Players fled the pitch, but the match later resumed with Necaxa winning 2-1.

Mexico's national team is set to face Iceland in a friendly match at Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro on Wednesday, despite recent violence in Guadalajara, a World Cup host city. FIFA is monitoring the situation, ensuring player and spectator safety.

FIFA is keeping a close eye on Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, after violence erupted following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho.” Four soccer matches in Mexico were postponed, including top-tier games, due to the unrest.

The violence broke out after Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody following a special forces operation in Jalisco state. The Mexican government has assured that they're working to restore peace and security in the area.