Speculation has been swirling around Mexico’s role in the 2026 World Cup after a wave of cartel-linked violence, but there is no indication that FIFA plans to move any matches.
The cartel unrest in the country quickly fuelled online rumours that FIFA might relocate games scheduled to be played in Mexico.
Despite these rumours gaining traction on social media, there has been no official word from FIFA or Mexican authorities suggesting any changes to the World Cup schedule.
No indication from FIFA or authorities of venue change
Mexico is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, with matches planned for several cities across the country.
Social media posts have claimed that FIFA is considering moving fixtures away from Mexico in response to the recent violence. However, News18 reached out to FIFA and Mexican authorities for comments, but didn’t receive a response.
“Although similar posts have circulated online, they all stem from unrelated or unreliable accounts. Neither FIFA nor Mexican authorities have issued any statement suggesting that World Cup games will be moved from the nation after the cartel leader’s death.”
There has been no official communication from any governing body confirming a change of venue, and Mexico’s hosting status does not appear to be under review.
Violence spread across multiple states after cartel operation
The unrest following the operation in Tapalpa spread to at least 12 states, including Guadalajara, one of the designated host cities.
Authorities in Jalisco declared a code red, suspending public transport and cancelling mass events and in-person classes.
Four Liga MX matches were postponed as a result, and a women’s fixture between Necaxa and Queretaro was temporarily halted before play resumed.
Despite the disruption, the Mexico national team is still scheduled to face Iceland in a friendly in Queretaro.
The World Cup is still set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and no official changes to the match schedule have been announced.
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