Unrest in Mexico – Questions About the Fate of the World Championship

2026-02-24 09:14 © AFP

In June, the World Football Championship will kick off in the USA, Mexico, and Canada; however, FIFA and the tournament organizers may have to significantly revise their plans.

In Mexico, unrest began after the country's army killed the leader of one of the largest drug cartels, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, raising questions about safety in the country for hosting World Championship matches.

Criminals in Mexico are blocking roads, burning civilian cars, and have disrupted airport operations, with 25 officials reported killed on the first day, according to the BBC.

As of now, FIFA has not commented on this issue, and BBC journalists have been unable to obtain a statement from organization representatives.

Javier Eskauriatza, an official fighting organized crime, told the BBC that the drug cartels themselves would be interested in establishing order in the country before the World Championship, as these organizations also control most of the hotels and restaurants in the country, which would earn huge revenues from the World Championship in Mexico.