The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced significant changes to the venue for its tournament, shifting the location from Celaya to León, while Irapuato remains a host city. This decision comes after a shooting incident outside the hotel where the delegations of Costa Rica and Cuba were staying, resulting in one fatality and a severe injury in Celaya, Guanajuato.
On Wednesday afternoon, the sports organization confirmed the cancellation of Celaya as a host city, moving the remaining matches to León. Irapuato continues to host events as planned.
Security Concerns Prompt Venue Change
"Following a security incident outside a tournament hotel in Celaya, and to ensure the best possible experience for all participants, CONCACAF has decided, in coordination with the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), to relocate the rest of the tournament to the cities of Irapuato (Sergio León Chávez Stadium) and León (León Stadium). No further matches will be played in Celaya," stated CONCACAF on X.
The change has led to the postponement of the matches Jamaica vs. Cuba and Costa Rica vs. United States, initially scheduled for Thursday. These games will now take place on Friday, July 26, in León. The match between the two Caribbean teams will kick off at 2:06 p.m. (local time), while Costa Rica will face the United States at 6:30 p.m. This adjustment will allow all four national teams to travel from Celaya to León.
The group A matches, which included Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, and the United States, were supposed to be held in Celaya, along with the quarterfinals, a semifinal match, and the final. The final is now scheduled for August 4 at the Sergio León Chávez Stadium in Irapuato. The Mexican Football Federation has released the updated match schedule.
Shooting Incident Shakes Tournament
The tournament's course changed dramatically when a police officer was killed, and another was gravely injured during a shooting right outside the hotel where the Cuban and Costa Rican teams were staying. The incident occurred on Wednesday before 9:00 a.m. outside the well-known Hotel Casa Inn Celaya Veleros. Officers from the General Directorate of Traffic and Road Police were on surveillance duty at the hotel, preparing to escort the athletes to the stadium when they were shot at by heavily armed individuals who fled on motorcycles.
Despite returning fire, two officers were injured and taken to the hospital, where one later died. Members of the Municipal Police, National Guard, and Mexican Army arrived at the scene to secure the area and gather evidence. The gunfire also hit two traffic police vehicles and a bus designated to transport the athletes. The operation to capture the assailants is ongoing.
Celaya is known as the most dangerous municipality for police officers in Guanajuato. So far this year, 18 officers have been killed in Celaya, out of a total of 40 murdered statewide.
Impact of Venue Change on CONCACAF Tournament
The sudden venue change and its implications have raised many questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why did CONCACAF decide to change the venue?
CONCACAF decided to change the venue due to a shooting incident outside the hotel where the Costa Rican and Cuban teams were staying, which highlighted significant security concerns.
Which cities will now host the remaining matches?
The remaining matches will now be hosted in León and Irapuato. Celaya is no longer a host city for the tournament.
What is the new schedule for the postponed matches?
The postponed matches—Jamaica vs. Cuba and Costa Rica vs. United States—will now be played on Friday, July 26, in León. The respective match times are 2:06 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. local time.