Mexican cartels have ordered not to commit acts of violence during the World Cup
Criminal organizations would seek to avoid greater government pressure during the international event
Criminal organizations that operate in Jalisco and Nuevo León gave instructions to their members to avoid armed attacks and violent events during the 2026 Soccer World Cup.
According to information released by journalist Ioan Grillo to the newspaper El Financiero and MVS Noticias, commanders of criminal groups ordered their operators “not to mess with the World Cup,” with the aim of not affecting tourists, soccer teams, FIFA officials or international visitors who will arrive in Mexico.
The tournament, which will be organized jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada, will have Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey as Mexican venues, cities considered strategic both for their economic relevance and for the presence of organized crime groups.
According to Ioan Grillo, cartel members and security officials consulted indicated that criminal organizations seek to avoid greater government and media pressure during the international event.
A commander cited in the reports assured that criminal groups “will be prudent” not to attract more attention from the authorities.
The statements emerge in a context of high security tension in the country.
In February of this year, the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), caused narcoblockades, attacks and confrontations in several states of the country.
After these events, even the United States embassy issued security alerts for American citizens in entities such as Jalisco, Michoacán and Tamaulipas.
Although the versions about a possible criminal “truce” have not been officially confirmed by the Mexican government, specialists consider that large international events usually generate temporary containment strategies between criminal groups to avoid operations.