US EditionSoccer-Guadalajara Violence Postpones Matches, FIFA Monitoring World Cup Host City
El Mencho's death sparked widespread cartel violence forcing suspension or abandonment of five football matches and raising concerns about the safety of World Cup events, officials said.
- On Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, the Mexican Army reported it killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the CJNG leader.
- After the reported operation, gun battles from the CJNG then erupted into public spaces, spreading beyond Jalisco and affecting football matches, authorities reported.
- A Liga MX Femenil match between Necaxa and Queretaro was briefly suspended after loud noises, then later resumed, while four other matches, including Queretaro vs Juarez FC and Chivas vs America, were called off.
- Reports noted FIFA has the authority to relocate matches under force majeure, but has not commented while social media chatter claimed FIFA may move World Cup games in Mexico to additional sites in the U.S. and Canada.
- As the story continues to unfold, FIFA has yet to comment, and social media users questioning safety may prompt clarification before the July 11 start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
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14 Articles
Guarantees for Safety Amidst Chaos: Mexico's Confidence in Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Guarantees for Safety Amidst Chaos: Mexico's Confidence in Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup Mexico is reinforcing its commitment to safely host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent violence sparked by the death of a key cartel leader. President Claudia Sheinbaum assured there are 'all the guarantees' to ensure attendees' safety.The turmoil, notably in Jalisco state, has raised concerns; however, Sheinbaum insisted that the matches in Mexico Ci…
Mexico and the world have witnessed a wave of violence in the Central American country in recent days. Armed clashes erupted after Mexican security forces killed a notorious drug cartel leader just months before the start of the World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting. There is concern in football circles.
Soccer-Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city
Feb 24 (Reuters) – Four soccer games in Mexico were postponed after violence flared near Guadalajara in the wake of a military operation that left cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera dead, with FIFA monitoring the situation in the host city for the 2026 World Cup. Oseguera, known as “El Mencho” and mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured in a special forces operation on Mexico’s Pacific c…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Will Cartel Violence In Mexico Result In Tournament Relocation?
FIFA World Cup 2026: Escalating cartel violence in Guadalajara has cast doubt over Mexico’s hosting duties, with four matches scheduled in the city and growing calls for FIFA to consider relocating fixtures
FIFA have no choice but to strip Mexico of World Cup games - they must act now - The Mirror
Violence and death in Mexico just months before the World Cup has piled pressure on FIFA to act - and president Gianni Infantino has to stand up and show genuine leadership
World Cup plunged into chaos as England and Scotland fans told do not travel after Mexico cartel violence
The 2026 World Cup faces mounting security concerns after violent cartel unrest engulfed Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and a venue for four group-stage fixtures this summer
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