What has changed? Will it affect Mexico’s ’26 World Cup plans?

Shock waves reverberated across the soccer world over the weekend when images of horrifying violence emerged from a Liga MX match between Queretaro and Atlas.

In the second half of Saturday’s game at Queretaro’s Estadio Corregidora, play was stopped when fans began to pour onto the pitch after fights between barras supporters’ groups had broken out in the stands. Outnumbered as the visitors, Atlas fans were chased by Queretaro ultras wielding impromptu weapons such as seats and pieces of the stadium’s advertisement boards.

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Crowds escaped via the players’ tunnel on the pitch amid the chaos, with family members removing the jerseys of their children so as to not be identified as Atlas fans. Videos and images quickly emerged on social media of individuals lying unconscious in pools of blood, while being kicked and stripped of their clothes.

With a noticeable lack of a sufficient security presence (and even footage of officers standing by amid the fights), the violence left 26 injured with three people in critical condition. Two remain hospitalized as of Thursday. No deaths have been officially reported by authorities.

FIFA and CONCACAF condemned the events, while authorities confirmed that 14 individuals have since been arrested. Five state officials were suspended, including three people responsible for planning and preparations.

On Tuesday, Liga MX president Mikel Arriola and Mexican Football Federation president Yon de Luisa laid out punishments to the two clubs involved and unveiled new league-wide protocols on safety. And after a short pause in league games, the 2022 Clausura season will continue this weekend with Queretaro playing with no fans in attendance at Necaxa.

Nonetheless, questions continue to linger. In order to provide some clarity, ESPN explores what is known about one of the darkest days in Mexican soccer, what has yet to be…