The Necaxa vs Querétaro gunfire incident has sent shockwaves through Mexican soccer after a Liga MX match was abandoned last night when gunshots rang out inside the stadium. Fans ran for cover, players dropped to the grass, and referees blew the whistle to stop play as panic spread through Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes.
No official death toll has been confirmed yet, but local reports say at least one person was hit and several others hurt in the chaos.
The game kicked off normally with both teams pushing forward in a tight first half. Just after the 55-minute mark loud cracks echoed from the stands. Security cameras caught flashes of muzzle fire near one section of seating.
Players sprinted toward the tunnel while stewards tried to guide terrified spectators to exits. The referee waited only seconds before signalling the match would not continue. Broadcasts cut away quickly, leaving viewers at home stunned.
Aguascalientes state police arrived in force within minutes, sealing off the stadium and surrounding streets. Early statements described the shooting as targeted, with no clear motive released yet.
Witnesses posted shaky videos showing people ducking behind seats, others sprinting down aisles and a few lying on the ground. Medical teams rushed in to treat the wounded while officers searched for suspects.
This happened only months before Mexico co-hosts the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The tournament expects millions of visitors and billions in revenue, so any violence tied to soccer draws immediate global attention.
Mexican soccer federation officials called an emergency meeting overnight, promising a full investigation and extra security reviews for all remaining Liga MX games. FIFA has already asked for a detailed report and will decide if any sanctions or changes to World Cup preparations are needed.
Necaxa sits in the lower half of the table while Querétaro fights to stay out of the relegation zone. The suspended match will likely be replayed behind closed doors or awarded points based on league rules.
Both clubs released short statements expressing concern for everyone at the stadium and support for a thorough probe. Players from both sides later posted messages of relief that most people escaped unharmed.
Local authorities have not named suspects or confirmed cartel involvement despite early social media speculation. Aguascalientes has seen rising gang activity in recent years linked to drug routes and extortion, but stadium shootings remain rare.
Past incidents in Mexican soccer usually involved fan fights or flares, not firearms. The timing feels especially heavy because the country has worked hard to clean up its image ahead of the World Cup.
Fans around the world reacted with worry and anger. Messages of support poured in for the players, staff and spectators. Some questioned whether Mexico can guarantee safety for international visitors next year.
Others pointed out that violence happens in many countries and should not overshadow the tournament. The incident has already sparked calls for stronger stadium checks and better intelligence sharing between police and league officials.
Eyewitness accounts describe moments of pure fear. One supporter said the shots sounded like fireworks at first, then screams took over as people realised what was happening. A father who brought his young son to the game said he shielded the boy under a seat until security pulled them out.
The league suspended all weekend matches as a precaution while investigations continue. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation this morning, vowing that those responsible will face justice.
For now the focus stays on the victims and their families. The Necaxa vs Querétaro gunfire incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Mexico faces balancing soccer passion with public safety.
