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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