The Athletic has learned about the possible postponement of the FIFA World Cup play-off matches from Mexico

The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) may postpone the play-off matches of the 2026 World Cup from the Mexican city of Guadalajara due to protests in the country. This was reported on February 24 by The Athletic portal, citing a source.

"The organization will consider postponing the World Cup matches only as a last resort, and this will happen only if or after serious concerns are received from both security staff and commercial partners," the source said.

Matches involving the national teams of Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia are scheduled for March 26-31 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. However, the security situation in the region raises questions. FIFA insists that safety remains a top priority.

Tens of thousands of tickets have already been sold for four matches in Guadalajara, the portal writes. Fans paid hundreds of dollars for tickets and hotel stays, which saw prices rise by 405% during the tournament. In case of postponement of the games, the audience will have to return the money, and the host city will have to develop transport and security plans as soon as possible.

A more likely scenario, according to experts, would be increased security measures by the Mexican authorities, the portal summarizes.

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada in the summer of 2026. The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 18, and the Russian national football team will not participate in it. "Газета.Ru ".

The murder of a drug lord with the help of the United States caused riots in Mexico. What the media is writing

On the same day, security analyst and political scientist David Saucedo, in an interview with Izvestia, named three possible scenarios after the liquidation of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel (CJNG) Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. According to him, the first option is to appoint a new cartel leader who will continue his criminal activities. The analyst added that the second option could be a split within the cartel if the leaders fail to choose a successor to El Mencho.

The Associated Press reported on the same day that at least 14 people had died as a result of large-scale riots in Mexico. At least 27 people were killed among law enforcement officers. In addition, the authorities of several states have canceled classes in schools, and foreign governments have urged citizens in Mexico to stay at home.

El Mencho was eliminated on February 22 in the municipality of Talpa de Allende in the state of Jalisco. It was clarified that the liquidation was carried out by units of the Mexican Armed Forces. White House press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced on February 23 that American intelligence had assisted in the liquidation of the head of the drug cartel.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.