World Cup 2026 chaos as more than 500 bags of human remains discovered near stadium set to host four matches
More than 500 bags of human remains have been discovered next to a stadium set to host World Cup matches in just a few months’ time.
Some 20 grave sites have been found scattered across Guadalajara, which is the capital of Jalisco state and home to the notorious Jalisco New Generation (CJNG).
The CJNG was led by the notorious Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes before he was killed by Mexican security forces.
Remains have been found just miles from Akron Stadium, one of three stadiums in Mexico set to be used at this summer’s tournament.
Authorities have searched four of the 22 grave sites and already found over 500 bags of human remains.
The findings, in conjunction with the cartel violence that swept Mexico after the death of “El Mencho”, has left locals, fans, and teams on edge ahead of the football fest – set to kick off in June.
Jaime Aguilar, of the Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco, a group which searches for missing people, told El Pais in December: “In Jalisco, the missing are made to vanish.”
“This is so it won’t be known; they want to erase all traces of the disappeared,” Mr Aguilar said.
The group said the findings had gained much more attention due to the World Cup.
Human remains have been found miles from Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara, Mexico
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“It’s several miles away, but this is happening near a World Cup stadium,” the Guerreros Buscadores said.
In nearby Zapopan, 270 bags filled with human remains were found at Las Agujas, a 54-acre property.
Since that finding in October, more bodies have been found in the area, including 48 bags of remains in a clandestine grave in October, CBS News reported.
Locals in Guadalajara have said they don’t believe the World Cup should be hosted there.
LATEST ON MEXICO’S CARTEL VIOLENCE:
PICTURED: Members of the Civil Guard of Michoacan patrol a highway supported by armoured vehicles after a wave of violence in the town of Aguililla
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Members of Mexico’s National Guard kept Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco safe as they searched for human remains
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“We have so many problems, and they want to invest in the World Cup? With all the violence, it’s not a good idea,” said Hugo Perez, who owns a restaurant near Akron Stadium.
The Portuguese national team has said it is “closely monitoring the delicate situation” in Mexico, with the squad planning a friendly in Mexico City next month.
The stadium itself is set to host four matches: Mexico vs South Korea, Uruguay vs Spain, South Korea vs one of four European countries, and Colombia vs either DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters she had “every guarantee” there was “no risk” for fans and tourists coming to the tournament.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino said the football governing body has “complete confidence in Mexico” and in Mrs Sheinbaum to make everything “turn out for the best”.
PICTURED: The site of ‘Las Agujas’ where 227 bags of human remains were found
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Despite Fifa “analysing and monitoring the situation in Mexico”, Mr Infantino said they will carry through with a litany of events to be hosted in Mexico, including the inauguration of new Azteca Stadium.
Jesus Pablo Lemus, the Governor for Jalisco, said he had spoken with Fifa officials, who said they have “absolutely no intention of removing any venues from Mexico. The three venues remain completely unchanged.”
Violence had spread throughout at least 20 Mexican states after the death of “El Mencho”.
Members of CJNG blockaded roads using spikes and nails, hijacked buses and other vehicles before setting them alight.
