Mexico Proceeds with Iceland Friendly Amidst Cartel Violence, World Cup Security Under Scrutiny

Friendly Match Proceeds in Querétaro

Mexico's national soccer team, known as El Tri, is moving forward with its scheduled friendly match against Iceland on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The game is slated to kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT at the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro. This fixture is part of Mexico's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the nation will co-host. The roster for this friendly is composed exclusively of Liga MX players, as the match falls outside a FIFA international window.

Widespread Violence Follows Cartel Leader's Death

The decision to proceed with the match comes amidst a significant surge in cartel-related violence across Mexico. The unrest erupted on Sunday, February 22, 2026, following a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as 'El Mencho'. Oseguera Cervantes was the notorious leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The killing triggered widespread retaliatory actions by cartel members, including:

• Roadblocks with burning vehicles across Jalisco and at least 19 other states.
• Attacks on security forces, resulting in the deaths of 25 members of the National Guard in Jalisco.
• A total of at least 70 people killed during the operation and subsequent clashes.

Several domestic soccer matches, including those in Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil, were canceled or postponed due to the security situation.

Enhanced Security for the Match

Despite initial reports of potential cancellation, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) confirmed the friendly would go ahead. Local authorities, in consultation with the state Security Cabinet, have approved the match with enhanced security measures provided by federal, state, and local agencies. Approximately 30,000 fans are expected to attend.

World Cup Hosting Status Under Review

The recent violence has intensified scrutiny over Mexico's role as a co-host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city of Guadalajara, one of Mexico's designated World Cup host cities alongside Mexico City and Monterrey, was particularly affected by the unrest.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly stated there is 'no risk' for World Cup visitors, assuring that 'all the guarantees' for safety are in place. Similarly, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed being 'very reassured' about Mexico's hosting capabilities. FIFA is actively monitoring the security situation and has requested internal reports to assess the developments. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro has also affirmed that Guadalajara's status as a host city remains secure.