Mexico's co-hosting of this summer's Fifa World Cup could be compromised by the eruption in drug cartel violence which began on Sunday, experts have told BBC Sport. Guadalajara, capital city of Jalisco and home to more than a million people, is scheduled to host four matches at this summer's tournament. Another five are scheduled in Mexico City, and four in Monterrey. "In general the cartels have an economic interest in making sure the World Cup is peaceful," Dr Eskauriatza adds. "It is useful for them if Brits, Americans, and others go to Mexico, spend their money and have a good time."

Source: BBC February 23, 2026 17:42 UTC