In a dramatic escalation of violence, the Mexican army attempted to apprehend the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, only for gunfire to erupt as cartel members resisted. The violent confrontation led to the death of "El Mencho", the cartel boss, and sparked chaos across the country, with nearly 100 major roads being blocked and government posts attacked. A significant number of both Mexican soldiers and gang members were reported dead in the ensuing clashes, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by drug-related violence in Mexico.

As the country prepares to co-host the World Cup with Canada and the USA, immediate concerns have arisen regarding the safety of players and fans. Four matches are set to take place in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, where these violent incidents had unfolded. FIFA's President has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of security as the tournament approaches amid fears that the violence could disrupt the events and deter attendance.

Despite the alarming outbreak of violence, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reassured citizens and international stakeholders that the situation is stabilizing and all prior commitments regarding World Cup safety remain intact. The administration is optimistic about restoring normalcy to the region, which is crucial for the successful hosting of the tournament, and for the appearance of teams from various countries, including potential participation from Poland.