A brutal massacre at a local football match in central Mexico has left 11 people dead and 10 others wounded, casting a grim shadow over the nation just months before it co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The attack occurred Sunday in the town of Loma de Flores, near Salamanca in Guanajuato state, a region currently struggling with a surge in cartel-related violence. Witnesses described a scene of pure terror as armed men in three vehicles stormed the grounds during an afternoon match attended by many families, opening fire indiscriminately for nearly 20 minutes.
Investigators believe the slaughter resulted from a violent “settling of scores” between rival criminal organizations vying for territorial control. The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, which specifically uses amateur sports as a sanctuary to steer young people away from organized crime. Norma Barron, a prominent local activist and league promoter, described the heartbreak of the event, noting that the community no longer feels safe even in spaces dedicated to peace and athletics.
This latest surge in violence intensifies international scrutiny of Mexico’s security infrastructure as it prepares to welcome millions of fans alongside co-hosts Canada and the United States. Federal and state authorities have launched a massive investigation, yet the presence of blood-stained grass, abandoned vehicles, and memorial candles at the pitch serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. As the June kickoff approaches, the Mexican government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that it can guarantee the safety of international visitors and local citizens alike during the world’s largest sporting event.
Community leader Norma Barron expressed the growing desperation of the residents: “We no longer know where to find peace.”
Recalling the harrowing moments of the assault, Barron’s son told her via phone: “They’re attacking people, there are several dead, we’re taking cover.”
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