Although none of Germany’s group-stage matches at next summer’s World Cup are scheduled in Mexico, Berlin officials are already weighing the impact of recent clashes between security forces and suspected drug cartel members on the men’s national team and fans.
“FIFA must work with the governments of Canada, the United States, and Mexico to ensure that fans are not endangered and that the host countries comply with safety regulations,” Christoph Ploss, the German government’s tourism coordinator, told Handelsblatt. He added that protecting German tourists is a “very high priority.”
Germany’s Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Mexico, urging citizens to avoid affected areas and calling on Germans in the country to shelter indoors.
More than 70 killed in clashes
The advisory followed reports that security forces had killed drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” on Monday, sparking violent reprisals that left more than 70 people dead. After news of his death, suspected cartel members blockaded highways with burning vehicles and torched businesses in more than half a dozen states. Authorities reported no civilian deaths in those incidents.
Cervantes led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Guadalajara — capital of Jalisco state — is set to host four World Cup matches. Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron is one of three Mexican venues scheduled to stage matches this summer and is also due to host playoff games between Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia from March 26–31.
Mexico to host 13 World Cup matches
FIFA has allocated 13 World Cup matches to Mexico, including the prestigious opening match in Mexico City on June 11. Of the 104 matches, 78 will be played in the United States and 13 in Canada. The recent violence has raised concerns among foreign governments about sending teams and fans to Mexico and has alarmed local businesses that rely on tourism.
“It will have an impact”
Maria Dolores Aguirre, who runs a corner shop in Tapalpa, Jalisco, told the Associated Press her business depends heavily on tourists. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. I think it will have an impact because everyone just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming,” she said.
The unrest already disrupted domestic football, with four matches in the top men’s and women’s divisions canceled on Sunday.
Iceland friendly held under tight security
A Mexico friendly against Iceland in Querétaro proceeded under heavy security on Wednesday and ended without incident, with Mexico winning 4-0. Media reported six security rings around the Corregidora Stadium. In a statement after the match, the Mexican FA (FMF) praised the “excellent coordination between all parties involved and the exemplary behaviour of the fans,” saying Mexico demonstrated its ability to organize matches and provide necessary security guarantees.
Infantino expresses confidence
Before the violence in Mexico, FIFA’s main security focus had been the United States, which faced calls for a fan boycott over certain actions by immigration officers. With more than three months until kick-off, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he had “complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities,” and that he was convinced preparations would proceed smoothly.
Germany’s football association is urging calm. “Let’s hope this war-like situation calms down quickly and doesn’t escalate further,” Andreas Rettig, the DFB’s managing director, told the Augsburger Allgemeine. “My thoughts are with all of the Mexicans suffering due to the unrest.”
This article was originally published on February 24, 2026. It was updated on February 26, 2026 to include the FIFA president’s reaction and the outcome of Mexico’s friendly against Iceland.
Edited by: Jonathan Harding
