Following a military operation against a top cartel figure, Guadalajara has seen a spike in violence, overshadowing Mexico’s preparations to host matches at this year’s World Cup. throughout 108 days, the competition, which will be held throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico, will get underway.

Thirteen games are scheduled to be held in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

However, following rumours that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, popularly known as “El Mencho” and associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was murdered in a clash with security agents in Jalisco state, security fears escalated.

Roadblocks, car fires, and armed incidents have been reported throughout areas of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, in the aftermath, however authorities have not yet made public all operational specifics.

The governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada revised their travel advisories in reaction to the disturbances, warning people to exercise caution and stay away from impacted areas.

According to Global Affairs Canada, there are “high levels of organised crime and violence” in several areas of the nation.

As security personnel attempted to regain control, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro issued a code red, stopping public transportation and cancelled events and in-person classes.

Social media footage seems to depict disturbances close to Guadalajara’s airport, but authorities have not yet verified the amount of the damage or the number of casualties. It was recommended that people stay inside in a number of districts.

Domestic football has already been impacted by the violence. Numerous games, including those in the top division and lower divisions, have been postponed, according to confirmation from the Mexican Football Federation.

The situation in Jalisco is Mexico’s most pressing security challenge before the tournament, even if tensions in some US states connected to immigration protests have also garnered attention.

Additionally, a Mexico-Iceland international friendly that was supposed to take place in Querétaro was cancelled.

Four group-stage World Cup matches, including those involving Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, and Spain, are scheduled to take place at Guadalajara’s Estadio Guadalajara in June.

There won’t be any knockout games in the city. Any modifications to the World Cup program have not yet been announced by the organisers. As preparations continue, federal security agencies continue to communicate with FIFA and municipal authorities.

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