Violence Forces Postponement of Matches in Mexico

Four football matches in Mexico have been postponed following a surge in violence near Guadalajara, just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This unrest was triggered by a military operation that resulted in the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, who was identified as the mastermind behind the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The operation led to unrest spreading across several regions, with reports of cartel members blocking highways and burning vehicles. The Mexican League announced via social media that two top-flight fixtures scheduled for Sunday, including Querétaro versus FC Juárez and Chivas against Costa Rica in the women's league, were postponed indefinitely.

Additionally, two second-division matches were called off. Aguascalientes women's match was briefly suspended when players heard loud noises outside the stadium, later described as gunfire.

The violence casts a shadow over Mexico's preparations to co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.