Guadalajara, Mexico is a fierce battleground with a World Cup stadium. Credit score: Viral photos from social media and FIFA Instagram
Mexico is dealing with a big improve in violence following the dying of infamous drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, chief of the Jalisco New Era Cartel (CJNG) and often known as “El Mencho.”
His dying, killed on February 22 throughout a army operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, has sparked a powder keg of tension and heightened safety considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which can be co-hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada. The match is scheduled to happen in CJNG’s dwelling metropolis of Guadalajara, and the disruption has led to soccer matches being postponed, warnings towards worldwide journey and hypothesis a few potential venue transfer.
Homicide of El Mencho
Mexican authorities, with help from U.S. intelligence, performed a raid that left El Mencho with deadly accidents. He died on the best way to Mexico Metropolis for remedy, a significant blow to one in every of Mexico’s strongest cartels. The 59-year-old kingpin, who had a $15 million US bounty on his head, was infamous for his ruthless ways and management of drug trafficking routes. 4 CJNG members have been killed and three troopers have been injured within the conflict. The operation was just like previous raids such because the El Chapo raid, however specialists warn it may exacerbate cartel infighting.
Widespread violence erupts
Retaliatory assaults instantly started, with CJNG members torching autos, blocking roads and clashing with safety forces in at the least a dozen states, together with Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato. Mexico’s second-largest metropolis, Guadalajara, was a ghost city as residents have been warned to evacuate to their houses as smoke and gunfire stuffed the streets. Airports like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have confronted disruption, with flights canceled and ride-sharing halted. Violence has begun to unfold throughout the nation, severely impacting day by day life and tourism.
Influence on soccer and World Cup preparations
4 skilled soccer matches have been postponed on February 22 as a result of violence close to Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, the principle venue for the 2026 World Cup, which can host matches between Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia, amongst others. With lower than 4 months to go, the timing couldn’t have come at a worse time, with the match beginning in June, including to the safety considerations. A number of embassies have issued warnings towards journey to the area.
Social media has been buzzing with requires the match to be moved, however FIFA has not introduced any official modifications right now.
amongst them #airport of #Guadalajara When Nationwide Guardsmen hear gunshots, they run and alter positions.#lockdown #Mencho pic.twitter.com/iBvjaU45mt
— Daniel Emilio Pacheco (@DEPACHECOS) February 22, 2026
Worldwide considerations and responses
Embassies of the US, Canada, the UK and different international locations urged individuals to shelter in place and keep away from touring to affected areas. The violence stranded vacationers and led to the grounding of main airways. International media has highlighted the dangers to World Cup followers, and specialists have pointed to potential long-term instability as a result of CJNG’s energy hole.
What lies forward?
The incident highlights persevering with difficulties associated to the cartels, because the Mexican army works to revive some type of order. If the turmoil continues, confidence in Mexico’s potential to host could possibly be eroded and FIFA can be pressured to reassess. For now, as preparations proceed amidst heightened alertness, the world is watching intently as this stunning recreation faces real-world threats.