Jalisco’s World Cup Spotlight Masks a Grim Reality of Cartel Violence and Disappearances

In the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, millions of eyes will turn toward Jalisco, Mexico — a state eager to showcase its vibrant culture through soccer. Fans cram into stadiums chanting “Mexico! Mexico!” amid an impressive display of security measures: bomb-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, drone jammers, and armed police. On the surface, it’s a proud moment for national pride and international prestige. But beneath this spectacle lies a far grimmer truth that threatens both Mexican sovereignty and regional stability—one with direct implications for America’s interests in border security and combating transnational crime. Just miles from fan zones and...