&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Football matches postponed in FIFA World Cup co-host Mexico following drug lord El Mencho's death")
FIFA World Cup 2026 co-host Mexico is reeling under violence after the death of drug cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes aka El Mencho on Sunday (Feb 22), leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Following his death, the state of Jalisco saw El Mencho's supporters blocking the roads and burning vehicles. In the wake of the violence, four football matches were postponed or cancelled in the country. Guadalajara, the capital city of Mexican state of Jalisco, is scheduled to host four World Cup matches in coming June. The ongoing violence may have an impact on fans coming in to the country with concern of safety lingering on their mind.
Football matches called off in Mexico following cartel leader's death
Among the matches postponed after the death of El Mencho include: Queretaro vs. Juarez FC in the men's tournament and Chivas vs. America in the women's league - Both in the country's top flight league. Apart from them, two more in the second division were called off as well.
Mexico is also scheduled to play a friendly against Iceland on Wednesday (Feb 25) at Corregidora stadium in Queretaro but the Mexican football federation hasn't made any official comment on the game being postponed as of now.
The ATP tournament, Mexican Open, is meanwhile set to undergo as per the planned schedule from Monday (Feb 23) at the GNP Arena in Acapulco, Guerrero with the organisers saying in a release that "the tournament's operation continues as normal."
Trending Stories
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Lip reader reveals what Donald Trump told every Spain and Argentina player after FIFA World Cup final during medal ceremony
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda 'waste of time'
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The best XI that ruled football’s biggest stage
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
Who was El Mencho
El Mencho ran one of the biggest and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico. He was shot by the national army in Tapalpa, Jalisco - nearly two hours away from World Cup host city of Guadalajara in the southwest. El Mencho died while being flown to Mexico City for the treatment for his wounds. The cartel led by him had abour 19,000 members and was operational in 21 of 32 states.
El Mencho's death and the violence which followed after has put the focus on FIFA World Cup 2026 which is being co-hosted by Mexico along with the USA and Canada. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played from June 11 to July 19 with Mexico hosting 13 matches.
