With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than four months away, the excitement should be reaching a fever pitch. Instead, a cloud of uncertainty has settled over the Mexican leg of the tournament. Following a wave of cartel-related violence triggered by the death of kingpin Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes on February 22, 2026, rumors have swirled that FIFA could invoke a "little-known rule" to strip the nation of its matches.
But is there any truth to the speculation, or is this just social media hearsay? Here is a deep dive into the regulations that govern the world's biggest sporting event.
The "Little-Known Rule": Article 5 of FIFA’s Regulations
The rule currently being discussed in legal and sporting circles is found within the FIFA World Cup 26™ Regulations (specifically under the "General Provisions"). It grants the governing body sweeping powers to intervene in the interest of safety.
The Power to Relocate: Under these statutes, FIFA reserves the right to "cancel, reschedule, or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion."
This includes situations of Force Majeure, defined as events beyond the control of the parties involved—such as civil unrest, armed conflict, or significant health and safety threats. Crucially, the regulations state that such decisions can be made "if significant concerns are relayed by safety officials or commercial partners."
Why Mexico is Under the Microscope
The current crisis stems from a military operation in Jalisco, where "El Mencho"—leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)—was killed. The ensuing retaliation has seen:
Guadalajara in Lockdown: The host city for four matches has seen blockades and clashes, leading to the cancellation of a high-profile World Cup diving event just this week.
Domestic Postponements: Several Liga MX fixtures were called off as a precaution, raising questions about whether international teams will be willing to travel to certain regions.
A "War Zone" Label: International media and some tourists trapped in resort towns like Puerto Vallarta have described the atmosphere as a war zone, putting pressure on FIFA’s security committee.
FIFA’s Current Stance: "Total Confidence"
Despite the legal framework that could allow for a relocation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been working overtime to quell the rumors. In a series of statements made between February 25 and 27, 2026, Infantino reiterated his "absolute confidence" in the Mexican authorities.
Presidential Guarantees: Following a high-level phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Infantino stated that preparations remain "fully on track."
The "Dream" Remains: FIFA has confirmed that the opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 is still the plan, calling the stadium the "cathedral of football."
Monitoring, Not Moving: A FIFA spokesperson clarified that while they are "closely monitoring" the situation in Jalisco, there are currently no formal plans to move games to the US or Canada.
The Realistic Outcome
History suggests that FIFA is incredibly reluctant to move a World Cup this close to the start date. The logistics of relocating 13 matches, re-ticketing millions of fans, and re-allocating broadcasting rights would be, in the words of some analysts, "financially suicidal."
Unless the violence escalates into a full-scale national conflict that makes player and fan safety impossible to guarantee, Mexico is expected to remain a host. However, the March 2026 Intercontinental Play-offs in Guadalajara will serve as the ultimate "litmus test" for the country's security infrastructure.