Sheinbaum: No risk to hosting the World Cup

(Patria) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public yesterday that there are no risks and that all necessary security guarantees will be in place for Guadalajara to host the matches of the Football World Cup, as planned.

The death of Nemesio Oseguera, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel, in a military operation on Sunday, caused a wave of retaliation, in which dozens of people were killed.

Suspected cartel members blocked roads, set fire to vehicles, attacked gas stations, businesses, and banks, and clashed with authorities in 20 of the 32 Mexican states.

When asked if the biggest international football tournament, which is expected to attract a multitude of fans from around the world to matches in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, would pose a risk to visitors, Sheinbaum said there was "no risk".

"The detention of a wanted criminal can create these circumstances, but we are seeking peace, not war," Sheinbaum said.

The arrests of other leading cartel figures in the state of Sinaloa in recent years have also triggered cartel retaliation, including shootings and arson.

Mexico will host 13 of the 104 World Cup matches, while the United States and Canada will host the remaining matches.

The city of Guadalajara will host four matches, and next month Guadalajara, along with Monterrey, will also host playoffs to determine the last two of the 48 World Cup teams.