World Cup Excitement Meets Harsh Reality of Cartel Violence

In Guadalajara, Mexico, the anticipation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup is palpable, but it exists alongside a grim reality marked by cartel violence. As fans gathered in Zapopan for a friendly match between Mexico and Ecuador on October 14, 2023, they walked past extensive security measures, including police presence, bomb-sniffing dogs, and metal detectors. This juxtaposition highlights the unique challenges faced by a region that will host four World Cup matches in June 2026.

The state of Jalisco, home to approximately 8 million residents, is not only preparing for an influx of soccer fans but also grappling with the influence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This organization is considered one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups, with an estimated 19,000 members and operations spanning 21 of Mexico’s 32 states. The region has seen a significant increase in violence, with around 1,000 disappearances reported in 2023, a 30% rise compared to the previous year, according to Mexico’s National Search Commission.

Despite the backdrop of violence, many locals, including soccer fans and officials, expressed optimism about the tournament. Javier Rodríguez, an 18-year-old college student, remarked, “If you don’t get yourself into trouble, nothing will happen.” This sentiment reflects a belief in a temporary truce between local authorities and criminal organizations, a notion echoed by security analysts.

Contrasting Efforts: Security and Search for the Missing

While the soccer match drew crowds, just a few miles away, the National Guard was deployed to assist volunteers searching for those who have disappeared. Indira Navarro, a member of the Jalisco Search Warriors, led a group digging in the backyard of an abandoned home, following a tip about possible human remains. Navarro’s brother disappeared in 2015, and she has since faced threats for her involvement in the search for the missing.

Earlier this year, her group unearthed significant evidence at a ranch near Guadalajara, prompting questions about the initial investigation’s thoroughness. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration earlier in 2023, has gained notoriety through aggressive actions against authorities, raising concerns about the stability of the region during the World Cup.

Roberto Alarcón, Jalisco’s state security strategy coordinator, downplayed the cartel’s influence while asserting that their limited number allows for more focused security efforts. “Not having a great number of criminal groups like other states allows security authorities to attack these groups in a better, more controlled way,” he stated. Nevertheless, David Saucedo, a security analyst, warned that the cartel could exploit the World Cup to expand its operations in areas like drug sales and ticket reselling.

Economic Prospects Amidst Violence

Officials are enthusiastic about the economic benefits anticipated from the World Cup. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus highlighted the potential for $1 billion in revenue and the creation of up to 7,000 jobs, primarily in the tourism and construction sectors. The region is working to bolster its infrastructure, including the addition of 12,000 new hotel rooms and over 3,000 surveillance cameras to enhance security ahead of the tournament.

Despite these measures, the underlying violence remains a concern for many. Johana Jaramillo, an event producer at a fan zone, articulated the conflicting emotions surrounding the event. “These events help slightly repair social pain and bring the opportunity for better security measures simply because so many people are attending,” she said.

Nevertheless, for individuals like Navarro, the excitement of the World Cup feels overshadowed by ongoing struggles. “They want to wash away everything that has to do with the issue of the disappeared,” she said. “But they won’t be able to do so because we’re going to continue fighting.”

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Jalisco finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the allure of international recognition against the stark realities of violence and disappearance that define daily life for many of its residents.