Mexico is trying to contain a surge in violence after the killing of cartel boss Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, just months before it is due to host matches at the 2026 World Cup.
El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed on 22 February during a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation, supported by US intelligence, led to a heavy gunfight. He later died from his injuries.
Not special forces. These are members of a drug cartel in Mexico, armed like a military unit. pic.twitter.com/KGBHxEektg
— Creepy.org (@creepydotorg) February 22, 2026
Within hours, cartel gunmen launched revenge attacks. More than 250 roadblocks were set up in at least 20 states. Vehicles were hijacked and burned to block highways.
The worst violence has been in Jalisco, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Shops, petrol stations and banks were set on fire. At least 73 people have died, including 25 National Guard officers killed in ambushes.
Flights to Puerto Vallarta were cancelled by several airlines. Public transport in Guadalajara was suspended and schools closed in some areas. The US Embassy advised its citizens in certain states to stay indoors.
🚨🇲🇽 BREAKING 🚨
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Reports point to an alleged connection and betrayal linked to the drug trade and the now deceased cartel boss known as El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/WIKGSmgYIW
— WAR (@warsurv) February 24, 2026
The unrest is causing concern for World Cup organisers. Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s three host cities and home to Estadio Akron.
The stadium is scheduled to host the following group matches:
• 18 June: Mexico v South Korea
• 23 June: South Korea v Group Winner
• 26 June: Uruguay v Spain
Some of the main access roads to the stadium were blocked during the recent violence. South Korea and Colombia are also planning to base their teams in Guadalajara.
💰🇲🇽 Mexico’s cartels rake in over $40 billion every year more than the GDP of some countries.
They aren’t just street gangs they have private submarines, drones, underground bunkers, and military-grade weapons. pic.twitter.com/yZkkUFVFHy
— WAR (@warsurv) February 23, 2026
Several domestic league matches have already been postponed. A friendly between Mexico and Iceland was cancelled. In another match in Aguascalientes, players briefly left the pitch after gunshots were heard nearby.
FIFA has not announced any plans to move matches. However, its rules allow games to be relocated if safety cannot be guaranteed. The Mexican government says it will deploy thousands more security forces to protect World Cup venues.
Security analysts warn that El Mencho’s death could trigger infighting within the cartel or attempts by rivals such as the Sinaloa Cartel to take control of territory. If the violence continues, pressure will grow over whether Guadalajara can safely host its scheduled World Cup matches.
