Mexico prepares to host World Cup amid fears over cartel conflict

Sports Desk
Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most conflict-ridden cities, is gearing up to host next summer’s World Cup, but the city is now filled with fear and anxiety after a recent bloody clash between the military and drug lords.

The unrest began after Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a military operation on Sunday. The incident, which took place just 130 kilometers from Guadalajara, has sparked violence across Mexico.

Guadalajara will host four matches in the tournament, which is being co-hosted with the United States and Canada. The Jalisco state government said it was deploying drones, anti-drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered video surveillance systems to ensure security.

But amid these preparations, the number of missing people in the city continues to rise. According to official figures, there are approximately 12,575 missing people in the state of Jalisco, a large portion of whom are residents of Guadalajara.

At least 57 people have been killed in clashes with cartel members over the killing of a drug lord. Authorities have suspended football matches in the states of Guadalajara and Queretaro as violence spreads. Most of the city’s streets were deserted on Monday, with schools and businesses closed.

FIFA, the world football governing body, has so far refused to comment on the security situation.

Many have called hosting the World Cup in the city’s volatile situation “horrible.” Carmen Pons, who lost her brother in 2020, said, “There’s nothing to celebrate here. While the country celebrates goals, we’re searching for the bones of our missing loved ones.”

Juan Carlos Contreras, who is in charge of the city’s camera network, told AFP that angry people waiting for missing relatives could stage major protests during the World Cup.

The violence has also threatened to cripple the tourism sector. Local tour guide Misael Robles said he had 25 tour bookings cancelled in the past few days.
Security forces have even found evidence of a criminal gang hiding in chains near the Acon Stadium, the venue for the World Cup. Local residents fear that tourists could also become victims of such a situation.

“My son was a football fan. If he were alive, he would be very happy today,” said Jose Raul Servin, who is waiting for his son. “We don’t want anything bad to happen to tourists like us.”