According to ESPN sources, Mexico intends to proceed with the exhibition game against Iceland, slated for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro, notwithstanding the nation’s civil disturbance and conflict.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, identified as “El Mencho” and serving as the head of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was eliminated on Sunday by the Mexican army in a precise strike, which prompted a strong reaction from the group’s adherents. In an act of defiance, members torched vehicles and obstructed thoroughfares, compelling the FMF to reschedule Sunday’s Liga MX match between Queretaro and Juarez FC, alongside the Chivas vs. America game in the women’s league.
While these postponements cast doubt on Wednesday’s exhibition, the Mexican squad proceeded with its pre-arranged training session in Queretaro on Monday. An ESPN source within the Mexican federation confirmed the game is anticipated to occur as initially planned.
Furthermore, the commotion has prompted FIFA to ask Mexico for reports regarding the safety conditions that impacted the nation, sources indicated.
FIFA is diligently observing the incidents that unfolded on Sunday and Monday, especially in Guadalajara, Jalisco, a designated venue for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, is set to stage four World Cup matches in June, featuring two involving South Korea. Co-host Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, and Colombia are also slated to compete in that location.
Prior to the summer tournaments, Monterrey and Guadalajara are slated to stage the FIFA inter-confederation playoff matches in March, which will decide two of the final six contenders for the World Cup. Bolivia, Suriname, New Caledonia, Jamaica, Iraq, and DR Congo are all scheduled to contend.
Confidential reports, dispatched by FIFA Mexico to the main office in Zurich, Switzerland, outlined the incidents that transpired between Sunday, Feb. 22, and early Monday, enabling the controlling organization to assess the presence of any safety concerns and plan subsequent actions.
Presently, informants verify there is no evidence or clues suggesting Mexico’s capacity to stage the World Cup or the inter-confederation playoff matches is jeopardized.
Mexico additionally has a pre-tournament exhibition arranged against Portugal in March – a match in which international icon Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipated to participate.
As one of the co-hosting nations for the World Cup, Mexico is set to compete in the tournament’s inaugural match against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
The CJNG cartel is regarded as the preeminent in Mexico, possessing an approximate 19,000 operatives and activities extending across 21 of the 32 states. It was classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
Data provided by The Associated Press was incorporated into this dispatch.