Several football matches in Mexico were postponed by the authorities on Sunday due to a rise in violence after the death of a high-ranking cartel leader. Specifically, matches in the top tier between Querétaro-Juárez (Men) and Chivas-América (Women), as well as two second-tier games and a friendly match between the national teams of Mexico and Iceland, were called off. The increase in violence is attributed to the fallout from this event.

Mexican authorities confirmed the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who was killed during a military operation. His death, as he was one of the most wanted men in the country with a $15 million bounty on his head from the United States, has triggered retaliation violence across several regions. This situation adds to the ongoing challenges of security in Mexico, especially as it pertains to major public events such as sports.

Violent clashes also erupted near Guadalajara, one of the cities that will host matches for the 2026 World Cup. The implications of increased violence not only affect public safety but also have broader consequences for the organization of upcoming sporting events in the country. The rescheduling of matches signals the disruption that such violence can cause, reflecting the difficulties faced by authorities in managing public security while dealing with powerful criminal organizations.