The landscape of Mexican soccer was thrust into a state of emergency this week following a massive military operation. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, famously known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The fallout from his death was immediate and violent. Cartel members retaliated by burning vehicles, torched local businesses, and blockaded major highways across nearly a dozen states, including Jalisco, where Guadalajara—a primary host city for the 2026 World Cup—is located. In the wake of the unrest, Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation moved quickly to suspend high-level professional matches to ensure public safety.+1
Matches Postponed: Liga MX and International Friendly Updates
The security crisis hit the sporting world just months before Mexico is set to co-host the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. On Sunday, several professional matches were called off indefinitely:
Key Postponements (Feb. 22-24, 2026)
- Liga MX (Men’s): Queretaro vs. Juarez FC
- Liga MX Femenil (Women’s): The high-stakes “Clasico Nacional” between Chivas and Club América.
- International Friendly: The Mexico vs. Iceland match, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro, has been officially cancelled by the Mexican Football Federation.
- Expansion MX: Two second-division fixtures were also scrapped as the military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, escalated.
In a harrowing scene at Estadio Victoria, a women’s match between Necaxa and Queretaro was temporarily suspended after players fled the pitch due to reports of gunshots nearby. While that match eventually resumed, the league has since tightened security protocols across all venues.
Security and the 2026 World Cup: FIFA Monitoring Guadalajara
The proximity of the violence to Guadalajara has raised urgent questions regarding the safety of the 2026 World Cup. Estadio Akron in Zapopan is scheduled to host four matches this summer, featuring international giants like Uruguay, Spain, and Colombia.
FIFA released a statement on Tuesday morning confirming they are “closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco” and remain in constant contact with federal and local Mexican authorities. While there are currently no plans to relocate matches, the death of “El Mencho” has placed the region under a global microscope.
Alt-text: Mexican National Guard patrolling the exterior of Estadio Akron, a 2026 World Cup host venue, following cartel violence in Jalisco.
What This Means for Fans and Travelers
For those following the USMNT World Cup Goalkeeper Battle or looking ahead to the 2026 MLS Season storylines, the instability in Mexico serves as a sobering reminder of the logistical hurdles facing the tournament’s co-hosts.
The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for five Mexican states, urging citizens to seek shelter in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. Despite the unrest, organizers of the Mexican Open (ATP 500) in Acapulco have stated the tournament will proceed under “established security protocols.”
Next Steps for Soccer Enthusiasts:
- Monitor Roster Changes: With the Mexico vs. Iceland friendly cancelled, MLS players like German Berterame and Chucky Lozano will miss a key opportunity to impress their national team coaches.
- Check Flight Status: Several major airlines, including United and American Airlines, have temporarily suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
- Follow ASN Updates: We will continue to track how this security crisis affects Atlanta United’s scouting and international call-ups.
Do you think FIFA should consider moving World Cup matches out of Guadalajara if the violence persists? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on social media with #WorldCup2026 and #LigaMX.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.