Mexico, Iceland match scheduled to proceed despite cartel-related violence
Mexico intends to proceed with the friendly match against Iceland set for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro despite ongoing unrest and violence in the nation, sources informed ESPN.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday by the Mexican military in a targeted operation, prompting a reaction from group members. Protesters set vehicles ablaze and obstructed roads, leading the FMF to postpone Sunday’s Liga MX matches between Queretaro and Juarez FC, as well as Chivas vs. America in the women’s league.
These postponements raised concerns about the friendly match on Wednesday; however, the Mexican team proceeded with its planned training session in Queretaro on Monday, and a source from the Mexican federation indicated to ESPN that the game is anticipated to occur as scheduled.
The unrest has prompted FIFA to seek reports from Mexico regarding the security situation affecting the country, sources noted.
FIFA is actively monitoring the developments that unfolded on Sunday and Monday, particularly in Guadalajara, Jalisco, which is set to be one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is slated to host four matches during the World Cup in June, including two featuring South Korea. Co-hosts Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, and Colombia will also compete there.
Prior to the summer matches, Monterrey and Guadalajara are scheduled to host the FIFA inter-confederation playoff matches in March, which will determine two of the remaining six teams participating in the World Cup. Competitors include Bolivia, Suriname, New Caledonia, Jamaica, Iraq, and DR Congo.
Internal documents sent from FIFA Mexico to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, outlined the incidents that took place between Sunday, Feb. 22, and the early hours of Monday, allowing the governing body to assess any potential security concerns and decide on subsequent actions.
Currently, sources confirm that there are no indications that Mexico’s capacity to host the World Cup or the inter-confederation playoff matches is in jeopardy.
Mexico also has a pre-World Cup friendly arranged with Portugal in March, in which global star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to participate.
As one of the host nations for the World Cup, Mexico will compete in the tournament’s opening match against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
The CJNG cartel is recognized as the most powerful in Mexico, with an estimated 19,000 members and operations across 21 of the 32 states. It has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
