Guadalajara remains on track to host the 2026 World Cup. The wave of violence linked to the military operation that resulted in the arrest and death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, reverberated around the world in the form of fires, drug cartel roadblocks, burned-out vehicles, and widespread doubts about Mexico’s ability to guarantee the safety of its citizens and visitors during the FIFA World Cup. However, the host city remains firm and the World Cup will not leave the “Pearl of the West.”

In response to a direct inquiry from AS Mexico, the Guadalajara World Cup Organizing Committee emphasized that the original plan remains unchanged. The World Cup and the intercontinental play-off (scheduled for next month) will not be moved from the capital of Jalisco despite the security crisis and the violent reaction of the CJNG cartel. “In Guadalajara, we are trying to return to normal. I know there have been many rumors and comments following the events of the weekend. Guadalajara’s status as the host city for the World Cup and the play-off has never been in doubt.”

The Committee endorsed and shared the words of the Governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, who addressed the media on Tuesday morning. “It is completely false that Guadalajara will lose its World Cup hosting rights.

Yesterday, we held a conference with the FIFA representative in Mexico, informing him of all the events and how we reacted. There is absolutely no intention on the part of FIFA to take any of Mexico’s hosting rights away. All three host cities remain completely secure,” he stated. The governor even reminded everyone that the World Cup trophy tour will pass through Guadalajara next Saturday, February 28, as scheduled, at the Akron Stadium.

AS Mexico contacted FIFA to obtain its position on the matter and to learn if it has any security concerns regarding the organization of 13 World Cup matches in Mexico. As of the time of publication, the Federation had not responded to requests for information. However, the Front Office for Sport reported that the governing body responded after an earlier request and that it remains “confident in the operational capabilities of its Mexican partners and expects to deliver safe matches in Mexico.” The Athletic and The New York Times reported that the Federation requested a detailed report on Sunday’s events and that it is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with state and national authorities.

Guadalajara will host four FIFA World Cup matches in June and two more intercontinental play-off matches next month.

What matches related to the 2026 World Cup will be played in Guadalajara?

Intercontinental Playoff | Bracket A

• New Caledonia vs. Jamaica | March 26, 2026 | Guadalajara Stadium
• New Caledonia or Jamaica vs. Democratic Republic of Congo | March 31, 2026 | Guadalajara Stadium

2026 World Cup

• South Korea vs. winner of UEFA playoff D | June 11, 2026 | Guadalajara Stadium
• Mexico vs. South Korea | June 18, 2026 | Guadalajara Stadium
• Colombia vs. winner of Group A international playoff | June 23, 2026 | Guadalajara Stadium
• Uruguay vs. Spain | June 26, 2026 | Guadalajara Stadium

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