Mexico is currently experiencing a surge in violence and insecurity following the death of powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, which has sparked concerns over the safety of upcoming World Cup playoff matches. These matches are scheduled to take place in Guadalajara and Monterrey, cities that have been significantly affected by the recent escalation in violence. The risk posed to teams such as Bolivia and Iraq, which are competing for a place in the 2026 World Cup, has led to serious discussions among confederations and the Mexican government regarding the possibility of relocating the matches to safer venues.

As the playoff matches are set to occur in just a month, the urgency of the situation has prompted confederations to weigh their options, considering that six teams are still vying for a spot in the World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While UEFA teams are not involved in this controversy as they will hold their qualifiers in Europe, there remains significant pressure on non-European teams to ensure their safety and the integrity of the competition. Conversations about changing the venues from the currently scheduled stadiums, Akron and BBVA, are ongoing, reflecting the concern for both players and fans.

This unfolding situation not only highlights the impact of rising violence in Mexico on international sporting events but also raises broader questions about security and stability in the region. The outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for the teams involved and the overall success of the World Cup qualifying process, as well as the perception of Mexico's ability to host significant global events in the future.