Which World Cup 2026 games are due to be played in Guadalajara?
Violence and security concerns in Jalisco raise questions over World Cup 2026 matches, with four games scheduled at Estadio Akron in Zapopan.
FIFA’s plans to host World Cup 2026 games in Guadalajara have been thrown into doubt after gang violence erupted in Mexico’s seventh-largest city following the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho.
The military operation carried out by the Mexican army triggered a series of violent events across the state of Jalisco, leading to the cancellation of various public and sporting events. That included the Liga MX clash between Querétaro and Juárez, scheduled for Estadio Corregidora on Sunday.
Friendlies still scheduled to go ahead
Mexico’s friendly against Iceland, set for Wednesday at the same venue, is still expected to proceed as planned, according to TUDN reporter Mauricio Ymay.
Chivas’ Estadio Akron, located in Zapopan near Guadalajara, is one of three venues in Mexico chosen by FIFA for World Cup 2026 matches. With a capacity of 48,000, it is the second-smallest stadium selected for the tournament.
World Cup 2026 games at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara
- June 11: Group A clash between South Korea and a team from the UEFA playoff (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, or North Macedonia).
- June 18: Hosts Mexico take on South Korea in Group A.
- June 23: Group K match between Colombia and the winner of an inter-confederation playoff (New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo).
- June 26: High-profile Group H meeting between Uruguay and Spain.
World Cup uncertainty continues
The recent violence adds further uncertainty to FIFA’s World Cup plans. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously suggested that games could be moved from Democrat-leaning cities, such as Boston and Los Angeles, citing perceived security concerns. Several European political figures have also called on their countries to boycott the tournament over the Trump administration’s hardline immigration and foreign policies.
In addition, Boston/Foxborough’s status as a host city appears uncertain due to questions over how security will be funded during the tournament.
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