Mexico’s World Cup Hosting Sees Unexpected Calm in Cartel Violence

Mexico City, Mexico – On June 11, Raul Jimenez scored Mexico’s second goal, leading to a victory over South Africa during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match. Hosted by Mexico in collaboration with the United States and Canada, the country is experiencing a notable decrease in cartel-related violence.

Security analyst David Saucedo, speaking to Aristegui Noticias, highlighted an apparent ‘World Cup truce’ by drug cartels during the tournament. Although a formal agreement hasn’t been publicly confirmed, Saucedo noted fewer homicides and violent incidents in several cartel-dominated cities since the World Cup commenced. On June 11, when Mexico won 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca, the nation recorded 30 murders — the lowest daily figure since President Claudia Sheinbaum’s tenure began in October 2024. Just five days later, the count further decreased to 27, marking the lowest daily statistic in a decade.

Mexico City and Guadalajara, both hosting multiple matches, reported one homicide each, while Monterrey, hosting four matches, recorded none. The current tranquility aligns with a cessation in significant law enforcement actions against cartel leaders. Saucedo indicated that any aggressive pursuit of high-profile drug figures could provoke retaliatory actions against the government during the World Cup.

“The absence of major arrests and operations during the games suggests a tactical choice to maintain public safety.”

In contrast, February painted a starkly different picture. The death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera-Cervantes during a military operation resulted in the death of 70 people. Cartel gunmen ignited vehicles and businesses, raising concerns about Mexico’s readiness to host World Cup matches. Guadalajara answered this by deploying almost 15,000 security personnel, including National Guard soldiers with assault weapons stationed near stadiums.

The temporary peace offers a chance for Mexico to focus on its role as a global sporting host, amid ongoing challenges from powerful cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), based in Jalisco, which has seen extensive violence in recent years.