Guadalajara unrest after El Mencho killing puts World Cup host city on alert | OneFootball

Guadalajara has been rocked by violent unrest after the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, FIFA has called an emergency meeting as blockades, arson and shootings grip the Jalisco capital only three and a half months before World Cup 2026, with Gianni Infantino to assess the situation with authorities.

Mexican Army and National Guard units moved to apprehend the CJNG boss. Seven cartel members were killed, including Oseguera, who died while being airlifted to Mexico City for treatment.

The group responded with disturbances across several western cities, including Guadalajara. Oseguera was among the DEA’s most wanted, and the CJNG was among organisations designated as terrorist by the government of Donald Trump in 2025.

Jalisco governor Pablo Lemus suspended public transport and cancelled classes for Monday 23 February. Some Liga MX fixtures were already postponed on Sunday amid the unrest.

The World Cup opens on 11 June with Mexico v South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Guadalajara is due to stage four group matches, including Republic of Korea v the UEFA play-off winner on 12 June, Mexico v Republic of Korea on 19 June, Colombia v Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia on 24 June, and Spain v Uruguay on 27 June.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo