Guadalajara, set to host four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, descended into chaos after Mexican federal forces confirmed the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the alleged head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Considered one of the most wanted traffickers by the U.S. DEA, El Mencho carried a $15 million bounty.
The turmoil stems from a federal operation in the town of Tapalpa that targeted one of Mexico’s most notorious cartel figures, according to Mexican officials and multiple international news outlets.
The fallout has been immediate, with burning roadblocks, disrupted transportation and an extraordinary set of advisories issued by the United States and Canadian governments.
Residents reported gunfire and chaos at Guadalajara International Airport, where passengers were seen running and hiding as smoke rose from the runways.
Authorities suspended public transportation and urged residents and tourists to stay indoors. Stranded visitors shared footage online, showing crowded hotel rooftops and streets littered with debris from burning vehicles.
Officials from Liga MX and the Liga de Expansión already felt the immediate effects of Sunday’s unrest.
Scheduled matches such as the high-profile women’s league match between Chivas and América, as well as a fixture from the Expansión tournament, were postponed “due to the situation in the city,” according to league statements.
The CJNG, founded in 2009, is widely considered one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations.
The United States has officially designated it as a terrorist group, linking it to the trafficking of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
World Cup security under the microscope
In recent months, Mexican authorities have invested heavily in surveillance systems, aerial monitoring and on-the-ground patrols specifically in and around Guadalajara.
Months before the violence, preparations included installing thousands of surveillance cameras and deploying counter-drone technology aimed at deterring threats during fan events and match days.
But the recent flashpoints have renewed scrutiny on whether those measures are sufficient.
According to local media coverage, the unrest “puts into question the guarantees that the organizing committee can offer” ahead of the World Cup.
Authorities had to activate a “red alert” in multiple municipalities, urging residents and commuters to avoid movement amid safety concerns.
Guadalajara remains a critical venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scheduled matches in the city include South Korea vs. the UEFA playoff winner (June 11), Mexico vs. South Korea (June 18), Colombia vs. the intercontinental playoff winner (June 23), and Uruguay vs. Spain (June 26).
Security at all World Cup venues has been heightened, with plans in place to protect players, fans, and residents in the lead-up to the tournament.
The death of El Mencho underscores both the ongoing challenges Mexican authorities face in combating organized crime and the lengths cartels will go to retaliate.
For now, residents and visitors in Guadalajara and surrounding states remain on high alert as officials work to restore stability.
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