With the WorldCup2026 just months away, Bafana Bafana's opening match against Mexico is under the spotlight as cartel violence grips Guadalajara. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The kick-off to the 2026 Fifa World Cup is a mere three months away but the readiness of Mexico hangs in the balance, which could have a massive impact on Bafana Bafana's campaign.
This past weekend, host city Guadalajara — a city in western Mexico proud of their football tradition — was hit by a surge of violence following the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, approximately two hours south of the city.
Subsequent violence erupted in response to the raid. Reports detail how cartel members retaliated by setting vehicles ablaze and erecting burning roadblocks on vital highways, leading to significant disruptions in major cities, including Guadalajara and the tourist hotspot of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean seaboard.
With just over three months to go before the World Cup, the implications of such unrest could be devastating for Mexico. Several matches are scheduled to take place in the nation, including Bafana's opening match against the co-host on June 11 in Mexico City and South Africa's clash against South Korea in Monterrey.
Both matches are several hours away from the current violence. Bafana's third match group A encounter, meanwhile, is in Atlanta, Georgia. Bafana's base camp for the tournament will also be just outside Mexico City.
Local organisers in Guadalajara now face an uphill battle to prove they can ensure safety at the Akron Stadium, which is set to host teams such as Spain, Uruguay, and Colombia. South Korea and Colombia have chosen Guadalajara for their base camps.
This past Sunday, four professional matches were called off. Additionally, while the Mexican national team’s scheduled friendly against Iceland on Thursday in Querétaro (four hours away in central Mexico) remains uncertain, though it has not yet been officially postponed.
Fifa have refrained from public commentary regarding the city’s continued role as a host, but insiders suggest there is growing concern about the security situation. Authorities are under immense pressure to showcase that measures are in place not just for June, but also for the Fifa World Cup play-off tournament scheduled for late March.
A “red alert” is currently in place across parts of the metropolitan area, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities. While law enforcement works to regain control, grave concerns over public safety and stability remain.
Bafana Bafana will play at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey against South Korea during the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Safety officials have promised significant deployments to safeguard venues, with plans for coordinated patrols and advanced surveillance expected during events that draw large crowds. The escalation of violence serves as a stark reminder that while Guadalajara gears up for their World Cup responsibilities, it must also confront an enduring issue: ensuring a safe environment for teams and fans amidst ongoing internal unrest.
Independent Media reached out to both Fifa and Safa on Monday, but neither entities responded to our enquiries.
* Herman Gibbs is a senior sports contributor for Independent Media and guest on our football podcast, the D-Line, on our YouTube channel The Clutch