The ongoing violence from cartels in Mexico has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of attendees and players for the upcoming World Cup, particularly after the unrest in the Jalisco state. This wave of violence was triggered by a military operation at the end of last month that resulted in the death of Nemesio 'El Mencho' Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In the aftermath, his followers took to the streets in retaliation, attacking National Guard bases and blocking nearly 100 major roads, resulting in at least 74 fatalities.

As Mexico prepares to co-host the World Cup 2026 alongside Canada and the United States, hosting 13 matches in cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, the implications of this violence are critical. The government is keen to alleviate security concerns, especially as the country also prepares to welcome playoff matches that will determine the final teams in the tournament. The prospect of heightened security measures is essential not only for the safety of fans and teams but also for the country's reputation on the international stage.

In response to these safety issues, the Mexican government announced on March 6 that it would deploy 100,000 security personnel to ensure safety during the World Cup events. This move underscores the urgency with which officials are approaching the need to manage public perception and ensure that the global event takes place without significant incidents, highlighting the relationship between local security issues and international sporting events.