Football matches postponed in Mexico after drug cartel leader killed

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 23, 2026 at 10:07 AM

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Following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader "El Mencho" on February 23, 2026, several football matches in Mexico were postponed due to widespread violence. The cancelled games included four high-level matches: two from Mexico's premier MX league (men's and women's) and two from the second division. An international friendly between Mexico and Iceland, scheduled for Wednesday in Queretaro, was also cancelled. The cartel leader's death triggered cartel members to burn cars and block roads in multiple states. Guadalajara, a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, is located near the area where the cartel leader was killed. The Mexican Open, an ATP tennis tournament in Acapulco, will proceed as scheduled.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South Korea 30% Donald Trump 35% United States 40% Mexican Football Federation 60% Jalisco ×365% FIFA World Cup 2026 ×270% Mexican Army 70% Guadalajara ×475% Jalisco New Generation Cartel 85% Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho) ×290% Mexico ×695%

Keywords

football matches 90% drug cartel 90% postponed 80% mexico 70% fifa world cup 2026 60% violence 60% jalisco new generation cartel 50% guadalajara 50% mexican football federation 40%