German FA Chief Sounds Alarm on Mexico's Cartel Crisis as World Cup Countdown Begins

The disturbing scenes of disorder, brutality and civil unrest that unfolded throughout multiple Mexican cities during the weekend have caused Andreas Retting, managing director of Germany's football association, to express serious concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

"Honestly, not at this moment," Retting responded when questioned about his excitement for the World Cup. "With the disturbing footage emerging from Mexico, my concerns are with all Mexican citizens enduring this turmoil. We can only pray this conflict-like scenario subsides rapidly and doesn't intensify further.

"Under these circumstances, there's minimal space for World Cup enthusiasm currently—rather the wish that conditions will normalize for everyone there as quickly as possible."

A surge of brutality overwhelmed the World Cup co-hosting country following a military action that led to the elimination of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the infamous head of the Jalisco New Generation cartel—among the largest criminal enterprises globally.

This development triggered revenge attacks and footage of barricades, torched vehicles and structures ablaze rapidly spread worldwide. Disorder consumed Jalisco state and its capital Guadalajara, where Estadio AKRON is scheduled to accommodate four matches of the 2026 World Cup in under four months.

FIFA Respond to Wave of Violence in Mexico

FIFA Addresses Surge of Violence in Mexico

The alarming footage emerging from Mexico on Sunday, Feb. 22 immediately raised global concerns. With host city Guadalajara at the center of the violence outbreak, FIFA was compelled to issue a statement regarding the current circumstances.

"At FIFA Mexico, we are carefully observing the developments in Jalisco and maintaining continuous dialogue with officials," a FIFA representative informed Reuters. "We will keep following the measures and guidance from various governmental bodies, focused on preserving public security and restoring stability, and we emphasize our close cooperation with federal, state and municipal authorities."

Since the disturbances began, four football matches have required postponement, including the Liga MX encounter between Querétaro and FC Juárez. The Liga MX Femeníl match between Necaxa and Atlético San Luis on Sunday was halted mid-game, as explosions were audible near the venue.

Guadalajara isn't only hosting World Cup matches this summer; the city is also set to stage World Cup qualifying matches in one month. Jamaica, New Caledonia and DR Congo are planned to compete for their World Cup spots at Estadio AKRON during the March international period.

FIFA has the authority to cancel or move matches if security assurances cannot be provided. Nevertheless, Mexican government officials express confidence that all fixtures can proceed as planned.

Mexico President Makes World Cup Guarantee of Safety

Mexican President Provides World Cup Security Assurance

During her regular press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered two decisive answers to World Cup-related inquiries. When questioned about assurances regarding Guadalajara hosting tournament matches, Sheinbaum stated firmly, "Complete guarantees, all of them."

When asked whether visitors to host cities during the tournament might face danger, she responded simply, "No dangers, absolutely none."

President Sheinbaum maintains that the violence surge has begun subsiding, that conditions are anticipated to normalize throughout the nation and affected areas, as the disorder gradually comes under management.

However, incidents like those observed on Sunday fail to build global confidence, and FIFA will maintain vigilant monitoring of Mexico's security and safety conditions in the weeks preceding the 2026 World Cup.

read THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE

READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE

Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.