Liga MX Removes Four Matches from Schedule Due to Security Concerns
Four professional soccer matches in Mexico were postponed on Sunday after violence erupted near Guadalajara — one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup — following a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho."
Liga MX organizers removed two top-tier matches from the schedule: Querétaro vs. Juárez FC (men's league) and Chivas vs. América (women's league). Two second-division matches were also canceled due to security concerns.
El Mencho Killed in Military Operation in Tapalpa
The operation took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, about a two-hour drive from Guadalajara. Mexico's Ministry of Defense confirmed Oseguera, a former police officer and leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), was killed during the security forces' apprehension attempt.
Subsequently, numerous roads in nearly a dozen states were blocked with burning vehicles. Local authorities reported roadblocks and arson aimed at obstructing law enforcement.
Guadalajara Expected to Host Four World Cup 2026 Matches
Guadalajara is expected to host four matches for the 2026 World Cup, including two featuring the South Korean national team. Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, and Colombia are among the teams slated to play there.
A friendly match between the Mexican national team and Iceland on Wednesday at Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro remained on schedule as of Sunday evening. The Mexican Football Federation has not announced any changes.
Not all sporting events were affected. Organizers of the Mexican Open in Acapulco confirmed the ATP tournament would proceed as planned at the GNP Arena on Monday.
CJNG Operates in 21 of Mexico's 32 States
"El Mencho" had a $15 million bounty on his head from the U.S. Over more than a decade, CJNG expanded from a regional criminal group into a global drug trafficking network operating in 21 of Mexico's 32 states.
Mexico's Ministry of Defense stated that the operation was carried out in bilateral coordination with the U.S., with the U.S. providing intelligence support.
Authorities continue to monitor security developments in the Jalisco region and neighboring states.
