Can a country dominated by drug cartels host a World Cup? Heading toward 2026 with doubts

We are practically a year away from the start of the World Cup that will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. I remember when I was younger and the year before the World Cup there was a great celebration. Back then, the Confederations Cup existed, a tournament between national teams that was played a year before the World Cup in the host country. That year before; the Brazil World Cup, the Russia World Cup, even the year before Qatar 2022, when the competition had already disappeared, was very football-filled.

This year, stands in stark contrast to those afternoons with friends or family watching a match. The question is not whether the stadiums will be ready, but whether the country will be. Can a country with thousands of missing people, highways taken over by drug cartels, and a government accused of making deals with criminals host the most-watched sporting event on the planet? We will discuss it here. Unfiltered.

Context: A nation taken over by crime.

In recent years, Mexico has been the scene of atrocities that are hard to ignore, that is true. More than 100,000 people are missing, according to official figures. Many of them were victims of organized crime, with no response or justice from the State.

There are regions completely controlled by cartels, according to the United States government itself. These are lawless territories, where extermination camps operate, there are clandestine graves, extortion fees, and kidnappings. From Guerrero to Tamaulipas, armed groups impose their law. They control highways, charge "right of passage," and force residents to join their ranks.

All this happens while the Morena government openly omits confronting them and pursues politicians who have ties to them. A strategy that, far from pacifying, strengthened the cartels. It is not surprising why they are called the "narco-party".

Given this scenario, the next question arises: if even Mexicans are not safe in our own country, what makes us think that tourists could be safe? Let's move on to the next segment.

What about tourists?

Out of the 80 matches, the majority will be played in the United States, while in Mexico 10 matches will be played by potentially different national teams. Mexico is a place that attracts attention for its beauty, and thousands of visitors will come in 2026.

They will come from Europe, Asia, South America and I wonder... do they know what is happening in our streets? Do they know that in many states you can't go out at night without risking your life? That there are routes taken over by criminals? That extortion fees reach even street vendors? Serious questions.

A recent study by the U.S. Department of State classified several Mexican states as extreme risk zones for tourists. Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guerrero, and Sinaloa appear as places to avoid completely. Even in tourist cities like Cancún or Acapulco, the cartels already operate with total impunity.

In 2022, a brawl at the Querétaro stadium ended with more than 20 people seriously injured. Brutal images circulated on social media. It was a turning point. FIFA was alarmed. Although Mexico kept its host status, the message was clear: they will not tolerate more violence. The next question is: is there a possibility that FIFA could decide to take the World Cup away from Mexico? Let's take a look.

FIFA is no stranger to these decisions

FIFA has withdrawn hosting rights from countries due to security or political conflicts. In 2023, Indonesia lost the U-20 World Cup hosting rights for diplomatic reasons. In 1986, Colombia had to give up the World Cup for economic and social reasons.

Could something similar happen with Mexico? Yes. Each passing week, the reality becomes more uncomfortable for the organizers, obviously. What was a sports celebration could turn into a logistical and diplomatic nightmare.

What if the host changes?

If the violence continues, FIFA could reconsider Mexico's hosting status. It would not be a surprise. United States and Canada, co-hosts of the event, could absorb the matches assigned to Mexico. There are already stadiums, infrastructure, and security. Mexico, on the other hand, offers uncertainty, blood, and pretense.

Do we want that? Do we want to lose the World Cup for not facing reality? For continuing to defend a false narrative of peace?

The urgency to change course

Having beautiful stadiums is not enough. We need security, rule of law, and authorities with integrity. If the government doesn't act, the cost will be extremely high. We will not only lose the World Cup. We will lose our image, our dignity, and perhaps the opportunity to show that Mexico is much more than drug cartels and mass graves.

The ball is in the government's court. So far, they are kicking it in the wrong direction.