The killing of CJNG cartel leader “El Mencho” by Mexican forces has triggered nationwide retaliatory violence and grounded international flights, casting a shadow over 2026 World Cup safety preparations just months before the tournament.
The Mexican military’s elimination of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday sparked a violent nationwide backlash from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Coordinated “narcobloqueos” involving burning vehicles and gunfire paralyzed Guadalajara, a 2026 World Cup host city.
Security experts warn that while tourists currently face “moderate risk,” the cartel’s advanced weaponry and ability to destabilize major regions present a significant challenge for international tournament organizers.
International fallout was immediate, with Canada canceling flights to Puerto Vallarta and the U.S. advising citizens to shelter indoors.
Domestic sports were also hit; four professional matches were postponed, and a high-profile international friendly between Mexico and Iceland in Querétaro was canceled.
Despite the unrest, FIFA and Mexican authorities maintain that tournament operations continue as planned, even as Guadalajara remains under a high-level security alert.
Further complicating the security landscape is the “Trump factor,” with the U.S. President designating cartels as terrorist organizations.
Meanwhile, domestic protests in the U.S. have erupted over the deployment of ICE agents to major cities, resulting in two fatal shootings of citizens by federal agents this year.
Analysts fear this dual-sided instability—militarized enforcement in the U.S. and cartel warfare in Mexico—could severely dampen fan travel for the summer games.