World Cup
25 Soldiers Killed as Cartel Violence Rocks World Cup Co-Host Mexico After ‘El Mencho’ Death
Security concerns have intensified in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-host Mexico following deadly cartel reprisals triggered by the capture and death of notorious crime boss Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho.”
Mexico’s Security Minister Omar García Harfuch confirmed on Monday that 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in coordinated cartel attacks that erupted after Oseguera’s death on Sunday.
Vehicles drive past a burning bus used as a roadblock in Zapopan, Mexico. REUTERS/Gabriel Trujillo
The violence, concentrated largely in Jalisco state, has raised fresh questions about security preparedness as the country prepares to stage matches at next year’s global football showpiece.
Firefighters work to extinguish flames of a vehicle on fire in Guadalajara, Mexico. REUTERS/Michelle Freyria
Oseguera, long considered Mexico’s most-wanted criminal and leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured during a special forces operation in the town of Tapalpa, according to the defence ministry. The United States had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Police officers secure the area where vehicles were set on fire in Zapopan, Mexico. REUTERS/Gilberto Gallo
Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla disclosed that intelligence leading to Oseguera’s capture stemmed from information provided by a romantic partner of the cartel leader.
In the hours following confirmation of his death, suspected cartel operatives launched a wave of retaliatory attacks. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, cars were torched, and gunmen targeted security personnel in multiple locations.
A forensic ambulance believed to be transporting the body of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera leaves the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime in Mexico City. REUTERS/Stringer
“El Mencho’s death triggered 27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” García Harfuch told reporters at the president’s daily press briefing. He added that 30 suspected cartel operatives were killed in the clashes, alongside one civilian bystander. At least 70 people have been arrested across seven states.
“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” the security minister said.
The unrest comes at a sensitive time for Mexico, which will co-host the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Guadalajara — in Jalisco state — is one of the designated host cities, while Mexico City and Monterrey are also scheduled to stage matches.
Smoke billows from burning vehicles in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via REUTERS
Although federal authorities have not indicated any immediate changes to World Cup planning, analysts say the recent violence underscores the scale of the security challenge facing organisers of the tournament, which is expected to attract millions of visitors.
The developments also drew international reaction. U.S. President Donald Trump called on Mexico to intensify its crackdown on organised crime, writing on social media: “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
Mexican authorities insist that security forces remain in control and that preparations for major international events, including the World Cup, will proceed under strengthened safety protocols.
For football officials and fans alike, the focus now shifts to whether calm can be restored swiftly in a nation preparing to welcome the world’s biggest sporting event.
A member of the National Guard stands on a vehicle at the site on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, where unknown assailants torched a bus and a trailer, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by members of organized crime in several states after a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in Jalisco state, in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Mexico, February 22, 2026. REUTERS/Paola Garcia
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Four football matches in Mexico have been postponed following a surge of violence near Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after a military operation resulted in the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”
Oseguera, 59, widely identified as the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured during a special forces operation on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco state, according to the country’s defence ministry.
In the aftermath of the operation, unrest spread across several regions. Suspected cartel members reportedly blockaded highways with burning vehicles and torched businesses in more than half a dozen states. While authorities confirmed there were no civilian fatalities, the security situation prompted immediate disruption to sporting activities.
The Mexican league announced via social media that two top-flight fixtures scheduled for Sunday — Querétaro versus FC Juárez in the men’s division and Chivas against América in the women’s league — were postponed indefinitely. Two second-division matches were also called off, according to local media.
In Aguascalientes, the women’s match between Necaxa and Querétaro at Estadio Victoria was briefly suspended when players ran off the pitch after hearing loud noises outside the stadium, which media reports described as gunfire. The match later resumed under tighter security, with Necaxa securing a 2-1 victory.
The developments cast a shadow over preparations in Mexico, which is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Guadalajara is one of the designated venues for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Attention has also turned to an upcoming friendly involving the Mexico national team, scheduled to face Iceland on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro. Authorities have yet to indicate whether additional security measures will be introduced for the fixture.
Beyond football, other sporting events are proceeding as planned. Organisers of the Mexican Open men’s tennis tournament in Acapulco confirmed that the event would commence on Monday under established security protocols. The Mérida Open women’s tennis tournament is also set to begin as scheduled.
In Jalisco’s popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, social media users shared images of plumes of dark smoke rising above the bay, heightening concerns among tourists. Several major airlines — including Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeroméxico and American Airlines — suspended flights in the affected area amid the unrest.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as security forces remain on high alert across multiple states. The incidents underscore the security challenges facing Mexico even as it prepares to welcome the world for football’s biggest tournament in 2026.
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Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who led Curacao to their first World Cup qualification, has stepped down as manager months before the finals because of his daughter’s ill health.
Fred Rutten, 63, will take over and lead the Caribbean island nation to the World Cup, the Curacao Football Federation said on Monday.
“I have always said that family comes before football,” Advocaat said in a statement. “This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues. I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff, and board members who believed in us.”
The 78-year-old Advocaat described leading the island, which is part of the Dutch kingdom with a population of around 150,000, to the World Cup as the “craziest thing” he had achieved in a managerial career spanning nearly four decades.
He would have become the oldest coach in World Cup finals history.
Gilbert Martina, president of the Curacao Football Federation, said: “His decision commands nothing but respect. Dick has made history with our national team. Curacao will always remain grateful to him.”
Rutten, who won a single cap for the Netherlands in his playing days, has managed Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, and Schalke 04.
“It is a difficult time for Dick, and I wish him and his family strength,” Rutten said.
“Dick is an icon in world football. It is truly an honour to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will continue along the same path. Curacao can expect the same dedication and commitment from me.”
Rutten will take charge of the Curacao squad for the first time in March, when they travel to Australia for a mini-tournament with the host country and China.
Curacao begin their World Cup campaign with a Group E match against Germany in Houston on June 14.
-Reuters
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By Kunle Solaja.
Jordan have earmarked their international friendly against Nigeria as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of their historic appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to a report by Jordanian newspaper Ad Dustour, the Nashama have lined up four high-profile friendly matches designed to fine-tune both their tactical structure and physical conditioning before the tournament kicks off in June.
The Jordan Football Association confirmed that the national team will participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman next March, featuring Iran, Nigeria and Costa Rica as part of their final preparations.
Under the tournament schedule, Jordan will open their campaign against Costa Rica on Friday, March 27 at the King Abdullah II Stadium, while Nigeria face Iran at the Amman International Stadium on the same day.
Jordan will then confront Nigeria on Tuesday, March 31, in what observers describe as a significant test match and a practical simulation of World Cup intensity. Iran and Costa Rica will clash in the parallel fixture.
Officials view the Nigeria encounter as particularly strategic, offering Jordan exposure to African opposition with physicality and technical flair similar to what they expect in the World Cup group phase.
The Jordanian side will conclude their preparations with two further international friendlies in Europe and North America. They face Switzerland on May 31 in St. Gallen before travelling to San Diego to meet Colombia on June 7. The team will then establish its official World Cup base in Portland, United States.
Jordan are drawn in Group 10 alongside reigning world champions Argentina, as well as Algeria and Austria — a group widely regarded by analysts as highly competitive.
Spokespersons speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) expressed confidence in head coach Jamal Salami, noting that the technical crew intend to utilise the friendly fixtures to elevate readiness levels before the demanding group-stage matches.
National coach Ahmed Hayel emphasised the importance of facing diverse footballing styles, describing the four friendlies as ideal preparation against different “football schools.” He reiterated confidence in the team’s capacity to spring surprises at the World Cup.
Former coach and player Abdul Salam Al-Hazaima echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the federation has worked extensively to ensure optimal preparation for the country’s first-ever participation at the global showpiece.
Ex-international Qusai Abu Alia described March as a decisive phase in Jordan’s build-up, pointing to the squad’s high morale and blend of experienced stars as factors that could inspire a positive campaign.
Meanwhile, Algeria have also stepped up their World Cup build-up, with the Algerian Football Federation confirming friendly fixtures against Guatemala and Uruguay during the March international window in Italy. Algeria will face Guatemala on March 27 in Genoa before meeting Uruguay on March 31 in Turin.
With a structured preparatory programme and carefully selected opponents, Jordan appear determined to use their meeting with Nigeria and other high-calibre sides as a final competitive rehearsal before stepping onto football’s biggest stage.
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25 Soldiers Killed as Cartel Violence Rocks World Cup Co-Host Mexico After ‘El Mencho’ Death
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