Mexico’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrust into global unrest, which was triggered by the killing of a notorious cartel leader.
However, authorities have confirmed that the national team will proceed with its scheduled international friendly against Iceland, amid
The match is set for Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro, even as violence, road blockades and arson rocked large parts of the country over the weekend.
Cartel Leader “El Mencho” Killed; Erupts Nationwide Violence
The unrest followed the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”, the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
According to security officials, El Mencho was seriously wounded during a firefight between his bodyguards and Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, before dying while being transported by military aircraft to Mexico City.
At least six of his security guards were killed, while three members of the Mexican military were injured, the defence ministry confirmed.
Following news of his death on Sunday, CJNG members unleashed coordinated retaliatory attacks across nearly 20 Mexican states, torching vehicles, burning businesses and erecting flaming roadblocks.
Footage from affected areas showed plumes of black smoke rising over cities and towns, including the tourist hotspot Puerto Vallarta, while roads were littered with spikes and burned-out buses.
Football Matches Postponed
The violence forced the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) to postpone several domestic fixtures on Sunday, including:
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Querétaro vs. FC Juárez (Liga MX, men’s league)
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Chivas vs. América (women’s league)
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Two additional second-division matches
However, despite speculation that Wednesday’s international friendly could also be postponed, reports have it that Mexico’s national team trained as scheduled in Querétaro on Monday, and that the match against Iceland is expected to go ahead as planned.
A source within the federation said there were no immediate indications that the fixture would be called off.
FIFA Demands World Cup Playoff Security Reports
The unrest has drawn the attention of FIFA, which has formally requested detailed security reports from Mexican authorities following the events of Sunday and Monday.
FIFA is said to be closely monitoring developments, particularly in Guadalajara, Jalisco, one of Mexico’s designated host cities for the 2026 World Cup.
Guadalajara is scheduled to host four World Cup matches in June, including two involving South Korea, as well as games featuring Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia.
Before the tournament begins, Guadalajara and Monterrey are also set to stage FIFA intercontinental playoff matches in March, which will determine two of the final six World Cup participants.
Teams expected to compete include;
- Bolivia
- Suriname
- New Caledonia
- Jamaica
- Iraq
- DR Congo
Sources also revealed that there are currently no signs Mexico’s hosting rights for either the World Cup or the playoff matches are under threat.
Airports, Tourists and Cities on Lockdown
The violence sparked panic in several locations. At Guadalajara International Airport, travellers were seen running and crouching on the floor after rumours of nearby gunfire spread.
Authorities later dismissed reports of shots being fired inside the terminal, though a burnt-out car was spotted on a nearby highway.
In Puerto Vallarta, tourists were ordered to shelter in place as burning vehicles filled neighbourhoods with smoke.
Around 300 visitors were stranded at the airport after flights were cancelled and were later escorted to the city centre under heavy police protection.
The UK Foreign Office advised visitors to “exercise extreme caution”, while the US State Department urged its citizens to shelter in place across several states, including Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, Michoacán and Nuevo León.
Jalisco’s governor declared a “code red”, suspending public transport, cancelling mass events and halting in-person classes.
Government Reaction and International Pressure
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm amid the chaos.
“In most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally,” she said, while praising the security forces involved in the operation that captured El Mencho.
The operation has also drawn strong reactions from the United States. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described El Mencho as:
“A top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.”
The US had previously placed a $15 million (£11.1m) bounty on information leading to his capture. The Mexican defence ministry confirmed that US intelligence support played a role in the operation.
Former DEA international operations chief Mike Vigil described the raid as:
“One of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking.”
Authorities are keen to project stability despite the chaos. The Mexican Open tennis tournament in Acapulco has also confirmed it will continue as scheduled, reinforcing official claims that events can proceed safely.
