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US Chess skips Continental Chess in Morelos Mexico over Level 3 travel advisory and safety concerns, leaving top players sidelined from key World Cup qualifier.
US Chess has denied its players travel to Morales, Mexico
The United States on Tuesday declared that it would not send a contingent to the upcoming Continental Chess, scheduled for June and to be played in Morelos, Mexico. US Chess will not be responsible for handling any registration, paperwork, or related administrative processes for the event, a statement said.
At present, Mexico is under a Level 2 travel advisory from the US Department of State; however, the state of Morelos is classified as a Level 3 area, meaning travellers are advised to ‘reconsider travel’.
The advisory further warns of an elevated risk of crime, terrorism and kidnapping, citing threats from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and other criminal organisations.
US Chess stated that it can’t guarantee safe passage or accommodation for players, parents, coaches and staff in the region at this time. In line with its policy for destinations under Level 3 or higher advisories, US Chess has decided not to authorise a delegation for the event.
US Chess expressed regret for the players who will miss the chance to compete, emphasising that they have done nothing wrong, but acknowledging that real-world circumstances sometimes disrupt the game.
This comes a month after El Mencho, a famous drug lord, was killed in Mexico, whose death sparked widespread violence across the country.
The group led by El Mencho had its operational stronghold across eight Mexican states, Jalisco, Colima, Guanajuato, Nayarit and Veracruz, where it maintained tight control over drug trafficking, as well as Morelos, Guerrero and Michoacán, where it was engaged in violent clashes with rival cartels.
Continental chess refers to regional championship events sanctioned by FIDE that serve as qualifying tournaments for the World Cup. The Continental Chess Association, founded in 1968, is a prominent US-based organiser known for hosting large-scale, open, rated tournaments.
Championships are held for specific continents, including the Pan American Chess Championship, events organised by the European Chess Union, and tournaments organised by the Asian and African chess confederations.
April 07, 2026, 08:27 IST
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