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Mexican cartels' position on ruining World Cup with violence as Brits given travel advice

British football fans have been told what to expect if they travel to Mexico for the World Cup after violence broke out following the death of a drug lord

[Muicipal police trucks remain next to a burning bus set on fire by organised crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target, at one of the main avenues in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. Armed civilians blocked several roads in the state of Jalisco, in western Mexico, following an operation by federal forces in the town of Tapalpa, local authorities reported. Jalisco, which will host four matches of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, is home to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and has been rocked by several episodes of violence in recent years. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images)]

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There has been a brutal outbreak of violence in Mexico since the killing of a notorious cartel boss(Image: ULISES RUIZ, AFP via Getty Images)

Mexican cartels could stand down during the World Cup, according to experts, despite the outbreak of violence in the country. Scores have died in Mexico's attempt to capture the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the subsequent backlash to his death, authorities said this week.

The death toll recorded by security officials encompasses security forces, alleged cartel members and others. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho', was the head of one of Mexico's rapidly expanding criminal organisations, notorious for smuggling class-A drugs into the US and launching assaults on government officials.

His death sparked widespread violence from the organisation, including road blockades and vehicle arson. This wave of unrest has prompted calls for Mexico to be stripped of World Cup hosting duties. The nation is set to host 13 matches across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

If England win their group, they would play their round of 16 match in Mexico City. Should Scotland finish second in their group, they would play their round of 32 tie in Monterrey.

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However, foreign visitors have been told they should remain safe in the country, as it's in the cartels' best interests for the World Cup to go ahead, given the financial stake they have in their nation's assets.

Javier Eskauriatza, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Nottingham, told the BBC: "In general, the cartels have an economic interest in making sure the World Cup is peaceful.

"Yes, they pay off politicians and local police forces, but they also buy restaurants and own hotels. They are part of the economic system. It is useful for them if Brits, Americans, and others go to Mexico, spend their money and have a good time."

[Elements of the National Guard in the vicinity of Institute of Forensic Sciences in Jalisco]

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Mexico is a country on the edge ahead of the World Cup(Image: Getty)

Dr Karina Garcia-Reyes, senior lecturer in criminology at UWE Bristol, described the risk of travelling to Mexico during the tournament as "moderate". She said: "In terms of tourists, I would say there will be a moderate risk for them.

"Unless more military operations are conducted this week, I would expect that the authorities in the most affected areas will be able address potential risks, so overall I would expect tourists to be safe as long as they follow the authorities' indications."

[The Estadio Azteca ]

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England are due to play in Mexico City if they win their group and reach the last 16(Image: Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images)

FIFA confirmed it was "closely monitoring" the situation in Mexico. A spokesperson said the governing body "remain in constant communication with the authorities".

They continued: "We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities."

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