German officials and travel authorities are raising safety concerns for the 2026 World Cup after violent clashes erupted in Mexico following the reported killing of a major cartel leader.
Christoph Ploss, Germany’s tourism coordinator, urged that “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,” emphasizing that protecting German visitors is a “very high priority.” The German Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Mexico, telling citizens to avoid affected areas and advising those already in the country to stay indoors.
The advisory followed reports that security forces had killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ which provoked violent reprisals in several states. Authorities said more than 70 people were killed in the unrest after suspected cartel members blockaded highways with burning vehicles and set fire to businesses; officials reported no civilian deaths in those specific incidents. Cervantes led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, is scheduled to host four World Cup matches; its Estadio Akron is also due to hold playoff fixtures between Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia from March 26–31. In total, FIFA allocated 13 World Cup matches to Mexico, including the tournament opener in Mexico City on June 11. Of the 104 matches in the expanded 2026 tournament, 78 will be in the United States and 13 in Canada.
Foreign governments and local businesses have expressed worry about the impact of the unrest on teams, fans and tourism. Maria Dolores Aguirre, who runs a small shop in Tapalpa, Jalisco, told the Associated Press that tourists are essential to her livelihood and that the violence will likely deter visitors. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security… people are going to think twice about coming,” she said.
The disturbances have already affected domestic football, with four matches in Mexico’s top men’s and women’s divisions canceled. Nevertheless, a friendly between Mexico and Iceland in Querétaro went ahead under heavy protection and finished without incident, a 4-0 win for Mexico. Media described six security rings around the Corregidora Stadium. In a statement after the match, the Mexican Football Federation praised the “excellent coordination between all parties involved and the exemplary behaviour of the fans,” saying the event showed Mexico could organise matches with the necessary security guarantees.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he had “complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities,” expressing belief that preparations for the tournament would continue smoothly. Germany’s football association also urged calm: DFB managing director Andreas Rettig said he hoped the “war-like situation calms down quickly and doesn’t escalate further,” and expressed sympathy for Mexicans affected by the unrest.
With more than three months until kick-off, officials face pressure to reassure visiting teams and supporters and to demonstrate that venues and transport routes will be safe. Local business owners and fans will be watching security plans closely as preparations proceed.
This article was originally published on February 24, 2026, and 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