Sources: Mexico, Iceland game still on amid cartel violence
Mexico plans to continue its scheduled friendly against Iceland on Wednesday at Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro, amid unrest and violence in the country, sources told ESPN on Monday.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel, was killed by the Mexican army in a targeted attack on Sunday, sparking widespread backlash from members of the group. Individuals set cars on fire and blocked roads in protest, forcing the FMF to postpone Sunday’s Liga MX match between Queretaro and Juarez FC, as well as Chivas against America in the women’s league.
The postponements put Wednesday’s friendly into question, but the Mexican team continued with its planned training session in Queretaro on Monday and a Mexican federation source told ESPN the match is expected to go ahead as planned.
The unrest also led FIFA to ask Mexico for reports on the security situation affecting the country, sources added.
FIFA is closely following the events that occurred on Sunday and Monday, particularly in Guadalajara, Jalisco, which will be one of the host cities of the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara, is scheduled to host four World Cup matches in June, including two involving South Korea. Hosts Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia will also play.
Ahead of the summer’s games, Monterrey and Guadalajara are scheduled to host FIFA interconfederation qualifying matches in March that will determine two of the six remaining World Cup participants. Bolivia, Suriname, New Caledonia, Jamaica, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo are all set to compete.
Internal documents, sent by FIFA Mexico to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, summarize the events that occurred between Sunday and Monday morning, so that the governing body can determine whether there are security concerns and take next action.
As of now, sources confirm there are no signs or indications that Mexico’s ability to host the World Cup or interconfederate playoff matches is under threat.
Mexico have also scheduled a pre-World Cup friendly against Portugal in March – a match in which world star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to take part.
As hosts of the World Cup, Mexico will play the first match of the tournament against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
The CJNG cartel is considered the most powerful in Mexico, with approximately 19,000 members and operations spread across 21 of the country’s 31 states and Mexico City. It was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
