As the 2026 World Cup comes to Guadalajara, fans are gearing up for a spectacular football celebration. But behind the festive atmosphere lurks a grim reality: this city is the capital of Jalisco, the state where one of Mexico's most notorious crime syndicates operates.
Mexican journalist Leon Krauze, a lifelong football enthusiast, told The Guardian in a podcast that Guadalajara has a legendary football history: "Pelé's Brazil played there in 1970, then Zico and Socrates in 1986. There is a real love affair between Guadalajara and football. I hope it will be a wonderful party."
However, he also warned that matters would not be simple. Guadalajara sits in Jalisco, a state that is now the stronghold of a dangerous criminal organization. In response, the Mexican government has planned to deploy a large security force throughout the tournament. The reason goes beyond fan safety: it also stems from U.S. President Donald Trump's reaction to the fentanyl crisis from Venezuela, as he once ordered the kidnapping of that country's prime minister.
"The government in Washington is waiting for the right moment and pretext for a unilateral military intervention in Mexico," Krauze told reporter Annie Kelly. "While ordinary fans are unlikely to face direct danger, President Claudia Sheinbaum does not want to take any risks and is preparing every option to guarantee maximum security."
