February 24 – Guadalajara, a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is in lockdown and has reignited concerns over Mexico’s ability to guarantee safety for the tournament after a military operation targeting cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ended in his death on Sunday.
Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The fallout from his killing was immediate, with roadblocks and burning vehicles appearing across parts of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
Jalisco state Governor Pablo Lemus suspended public transportation, in-person schooling, and mass events through Sunday and Monday. Liga MX Femenil also postponed the derby between Chivas and Club América at Estadio Akron. The U.S. government advised citizens in and around Guadalajara to shelter in place.
The Estadio Akron is scheduled to host four group-stage matches this summer, including the marquee matchups between Mexico vs South Korea on June 18 and Uruguay vs Spain on June 26.
The stadium already presents logistical challenges that are a potential nightmare for fans hoping to attend the matches. There is no direct metro or light rail access, with most fans relying on the Mi Macro Periférico bus followed by a 15–20 minute walk to the venue. Rideshare access is often restricted during matches, and with FIFA usually placing a clean zone in and around stadiums, the situation looks bleak for fans.
The violence comes just weeks before World Cup playoff events begin in Mexico.
The question now for Mexican authorities is whether they can assure FIFA, participating teams, and millions of visiting supporters that safety can be guaranteed across transport corridors and parts of the city that have been targeted by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.