Mexico documentary – World Cup in the shadow of the cartels

A new documentary film now shows the tension between football festival and organized crime.

On June 5th at 11:00 PM, ARD will broadcast the 45-minute program. Documentation "Mexico: World Cup in the shadow of the cartels".

The film by author Michael Stocks (SWR) asks how safe the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in a country where drug cartels, corruption and violence have deeply penetrated everyday life.

Opening match at the Azteca Stadium

When the first match of the 2026 World Cup kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the government and FIFA want to present a modern, safe host country.

But the reality behind this spectacle is quite different. Security experts warn of significant risks for fans, teams, and state guests – and raise the question of who really controls what happens behind the scenes of this global sporting event.

Death of a cartel boss sparked by a wave of violence

At the end of February, a momentous event shook the country: security forces killed drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel, in the state of Jalisco.

The reaction was immediate – roadblocks, arson attacks, and clashes between security forces and cartel members claimed dozens of lives. The situation also escalated temporarily in Guadalajara, one of the official World Cup host cities.

Missing persons at the World Cup venue

Around 130.000 people are considered missing in Mexico. Raúl Servin from Guadalajara has been searching for his kidnapped son for six years.

Together with other so-called "buscadores," he combs fields, forests, and abandoned buildings—and recently stumbled upon the remains of missing persons near a World Cup stadium. He finds it almost inconceivable that a World Cup could take place in his country under these circumstances.

Cartel-affiliated groups also in the stadium

The documentary shows that violence doesn't stop at the stadium walls. Cartel-affiliated groups are also said to exert influence inside the arenas – affecting players, fans, and referees.

Referee Katia Itzel Garcia was subjected to massive abuse and threats after a League Cup 2025 match between Cincinnati and Monterrey. She is calling for a more decisive approach to combating intimidation in Mexican football.

Criminal networks smell a business opportunity.

Where millions of visitors are expected and large sums of money are involved, criminal networks also see their opportunity – from money laundering to influencing economic projects surrounding the World Cup.

The documentary, based on interviews with journalists, security experts and voices from the football world, paints a picture of a country in deep internal crisis.

Sierks Media / PR Agent / © Photo: Jezael Melgoza, Unsplash