Hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the expanded competition will feature 48 teams and a record 102 matches from start to finish.
With only months remaining before kickoff in mid-June, concerns have emerged over Mexico’s capacity to safely stage matches after a surge of cartel-related violence across the country.
The unrest began in the state of Jalisco, where the capital city Guadalajara is set to host four World Cup games. The disturbances reportedly followed the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera “El Mencho” Cervantes and have since spread to other regions.
The Sporting News examines the latest developments and how the instability could impact Mexico’s role as a World Cup host this summer.
Which World Cup 2026 games are in Guadalajara?
Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staging 12 matches across three stadiums.
One of those venues is Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, the largest city in Jalisco. The stadium, home to Liga MX club C.D. Guadalajara, holds just under 50,000 fans.
Estadio Akron is scheduled to host four group-stage fixtures, including Mexico’s match against South Korea, one of two games from Group A.
Only group-stage matches will be played in Mexico and Canada, with all knockout rounds taking place in the United States.
Guadalajara is also set to run a 39-day fan festival covering the full duration of the tournament.
Schedule of World Cup 2026 matches in Guadalajara
What has FIFA said about cartel unrest in Guadalajara?
FIFA has addressed concerns surrounding the recent wave of cartel violence in Mexico, particularly in Jalisco.
The world football governing body has publicly reaffirmed its confidence in Mexico’s ability to host matches safely and securely.
“FIFA has and maintains strong relationships with all three host country governments,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic on February 24, shortly after the violence began.
“In Mexico, communication and coordination with the federal task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been ongoing for more than three years. Mexico is treating World Cup preparation as a matter of national security and national pride, and has allocated resources accordingly. FIFA trusts the intelligence and operational capabilities of its Mexican partners.”
The spokesperson added that “safety and security remain the top priority, and FIFA has full confidence in all three host nations.” The report also noted that FIFA rejected claims that outside pressure had been applied to alter the schedule or relocate matches.
However, The Athletic suggested there is some unease within FIFA about Mexico’s hosting situation. Referencing a smaller on-the-ground presence compared to the United States — a claim FIFA has denied — the report said officials have been “seeking clarity” since the violence escalated.
Quoting “a well-placed source within FIFA,” the outlet stated that “relocating World Cup matches would only be considered as a last resort.”
The cartel activity has reportedly targeted the tourism sector by blocking roads and attacking airports. Still, according to Javier Eskauriatza, a criminal law professor at the University of Nottingham speaking to the BBC, cartels “have an economic interest in ensuring the World Cup remains peaceful,” due to their involvement in the local economy and ownership of certain businesses.
