Four soccer matches in Mexico were abruptly postponed on Sunday following violent unrest triggered by a military operation that resulted in the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho.” The operation took place near Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
### Matches Canceled Amid Security Concerns
The postponement affected two prominent Liga MX fixtures: Querétaro’s game against Juárez FC and a high-stakes women’s match featuring Chivas versus América. Additionally, two second-division matches were also canceled due to rising security issues across the region.
Authorities reported that the violence erupted following a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, around two hours southwest of Guadalajara. Oseguera was killed during this operation, which involved joint efforts between Mexican and U.S. security forces. The Defense Department noted that U.S. intelligence played a crucial role in locating the cartel leader.
### Aftermath of El Mencho’s Death
In the immediate aftermath of Oseguera’s death, highways were blocked, and vehicles were set ablaze across nearly a dozen states in Mexico. The violence has raised alarms about security in the country, particularly as preparations continue for the World Cup, during which Guadalajara is scheduled to host several matches.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the news of El Mencho’s death as a “great development” not only for Mexico and the United States but also for Latin America and the global community, emphasizing that “the good guys are stronger than the bad guys.”
Despite the violence, some sporting events continue as planned. The Mexican Open in Acapulco is set to start on Monday at the GNP Arena, with organizers confirming that operations will proceed normally.
El Mencho, a former police officer, had evaded capture for years and was considered one of the most dangerous drug lords in the world. Under his leadership, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación grew to become one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, responsible for a substantial portion of the country’s drug trafficking operations.
As the national soccer team prepares for a friendly match against Iceland at Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro on Wednesday, the situation remains fluid. No immediate announcements regarding changes to that match were made by the Mexican soccer federation as of Sunday evening.
With the organized crime climate shifting in the wake of El Mencho’s death, the government is on high alert, anticipating potential retaliation from cartel members in response to the military’s actions.
The Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación is estimated to have around 19,000 members and operates in 21 of Mexico’s 32 states, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement and national security efforts. The U.S. government previously designated this cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, highlighting the persistent threat posed by drug trafficking and related violence in the region.
Source reference: Full report
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