Mexico's President Assures World Cup Safety Amid Cartel Violence Fallout
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphatically declared there is "no risk" for international visitors attending FIFA World Cup games scheduled in Mexico, following a deadly military operation that killed notorious drug cartel boss "El Mencho" and triggered widespread retaliatory violence across multiple states.
Dawn Raid Turns Deadly: The Fall of El Mencho
The Mexican military launched a targeted dawn raid on Sunday, February 23, 2026, attempting to detain Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known internationally as "El Mencho," the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The operation escalated into an intense firefight that left the cartel leader fatally wounded. Despite emergency medical evacuation by air, El Mencho succumbed to his injuries while en route to hospital.
Immediate Retaliation and Nationwide Disruption
Within hours of their leader's death, loyal followers of El Mencho mobilized across Mexico, implementing coordinated attacks that paralyzed transportation networks and challenged security forces. Cartel gunmen blocked nearly 100 major roadways while simultaneously assaulting National Guard bases, with concentrated violence in the states of Jaisco and Michoacán.
The resulting clashes proved devastating, with at least 25 soldiers and 34 cartel members confirmed dead in the fighting. The violence brought Guadalajara, Jalisco's capital city, and the popular resort destination Puerto Vallarta to a virtual standstill as businesses shuttered and residents sheltered in place.
World Cup Host Cities in the Crosshairs
The timing of this violence raises particular concern as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Guadalajara is scheduled to host four World Cup matches, while Monterrey and Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium will also welcome international teams and spectators.
During her daily press conference at Mexico City's National Palace on Tuesday, President Sheinbaum addressed these security concerns directly, stating that authorities provide "all the guarantees" for the World Cup to proceed safely in Mexico. She emphasized that the situation in Jalisco is gradually returning to normal as security operations continue.
FIFA's Monitoring and Ongoing Security Assessment
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed to Reuters on Monday that the organization is "closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remains in constant communication with the authorities." This statement came as local media reported isolated episodes of violence continuing in several rural municipalities of Jalisco province through Monday night.
Despite the initial wave of violence, Mexican authorities report that blocked roads are being cleared and normal operations are slowly resuming in affected areas. The government maintains that enhanced security measures will ensure the safety of both residents and international visitors during the upcoming World Cup tournament.
President Sheinbaum's administration continues to emphasize that the military operation against El Mencho represents a significant victory against organized crime, even as they work to contain the immediate aftermath and reassure the global community about Mexico's preparedness for hosting major international events.
