Violence by cartel forces postponement of Mexican football matches
Four football matches in Mexico were 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 recognised as the head 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 led to the immediate disruption of sporting events.
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 reports.
In Aguascalientes, the women’s match between Necaxa and Querétaro at Estadio Victoria was briefly suspended when players left the pitch after hearing loud noises outside the stadium, described by media reports as gunfire. The match later resumed under tighter security, with Necaxa securing a 2-1 victory.
