Mexico City — Guadalajara and Monterrey are working against the clock to address security concerns ahead of both the World Cup qualifying playoffs and the tournament itself, which begins in June.
According to multiple media reports, FIFA has requested information about security conditions in Mexico following violent incidents last Sunday during an operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Jalisco.
The global football governing body’s concern stems from Guadalajara and Monterrey serving as host cities not only for the World Cup but also for the qualifying playoffs scheduled for March 26-31, which will determine the final spots in the tournament.
In Guadalajara, teams from New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Republic of Congo will compete for qualification. In Monterrey, Suriname, Bolivia, and Iraq will play.
In response to the urgency of returning to normalcy after these events, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus, and Nuevo León Governor Samuel García have all emphasized that security is guaranteed.
“All security guarantees exist, all of them. There is no risk whatsoever,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular Tuesday morning press conference.
In Guadalajara, Lemus announced that schools would reopen starting Wednesday, following the “code red” implemented Sunday for “the safety of citizens and the productive sector.”
In Monterrey, García launched the “Ponte Nuevo, Ponte Mundial” (Get New, Get World Cup) strategy, an initiative that aims to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and project it globally in partnership with the private sector.
“We have a unique opportunity to leave a legacy for Nuevo León. Together to reach the World Cup and show the best of Nuevo León,” García said.
In addition to the qualifying playoffs, both cities will host four World Cup matches each. Mexico City, the country’s other host city, will host five tournament matches.
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