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World / Americas

Mexico leader offers 'full guarantees' for safety of World Cup games in Guadalajara

Published: 24 Feb 2026 - 08:57 pm | Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - 09:06 pm
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum delivers a speech during the celebration of Flag Day in Mexico City on February 24, 2026. (Photo by YURI CORTEZ / AFP)

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum delivers a speech during the celebration of Flag Day in Mexico City on February 24, 2026. (Photo by YURI CORTEZ / AFP)

AFP

Mexico City: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday offered "full guarantees" for the safety of football fans at World Cup games in the violence-plagued city of Guadalajara.

Sheinbaum insisted there was "no risk" to fans visiting the city in June for four matches, in remarks coming after a wave of violence sparked by the military's killing of drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera.

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most wanted men in Mexico and the United States, was killed in a military operation some 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Jalisco state capital Guadalajara on Sunday.

The cartel reacted with fury, engaging in firefights with security forces that left dozens dead across Mexico -- both soldiers and cartel members -- and sent tourists and residents fleeing for cover.

As calm returns, businesses in Jalisco are expected to reopen on Tuesday, with schools to follow suit on Wednesday.

Guadalajara is one of three Mexican cities that will host fixtures in the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.