With just three months until the ball rolls, the security of the 2026 World Cup has gone from being a guarantee to an international question. This is not a minor issue: the regulations empower the international federation to remove host cities if the integrity of attendees is in danger. Before the World Cup, Mexico faces a major test on March 26 and 31. Mexico's president says security is in place and the World Cup will go on. February 24, 2026: U.S. seizes third tanker in the Indian Ocean for violating oil blockade. February 24, 2026: Trump warns Mexico must intensify its efforts against cartels. Heads up: In Mexico, a reform to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours is advancing. February 24, 2026: Controversy: Gustavo Petro denounces alleged fraud in upcoming elections. If the March playoffs see the slightest incident, Mexico's World Cup dream in 2026 could face drastic last-minute changes. It has shifted from a 'security declaration' to a 'risk warning'. Priority was given to FIFA pressure and European media over the official statement from the president. The severity of the situation in Guadalajara was emphasized to contrast with the 'normality' narrative. The Akron (Guadalajara) and BBVA (Monterrey) stadiums will host the international playoffs with teams from four continents. Guadalajara, the epicenter of recent unrest, will host New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the DR Congo. European federations have already begun direct dialogues with the Mexican government out of fear that the security crisis could escalate. While Sheinbaum assures that the situation 'is normalizing', the crossfire in areas like Zacatecas — where artists Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar were recently caught in the middle — reinforces the narrative of insecurity that now dominates the foreign press. You might be interested: Leather! Sources close to football's governing body confirm that FIFA has already requested detailed reports on the viability of the matches. Despite President Claudia Sheinbaum stating on Tuesday that the country has 'all guarantees,' the reality on the streets of key host cities like Guadalajara tells a different story that has already reached FIFA's ears. The death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes 'El Mencho' unleashed a wave of violence in Jalisco that has not gone unnoticed.
