SOCCER: Four matches postponed after Mexican cartel leader's death sparks

Four soccer games in Mexico were postponed after violence erupted near Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, following a military operation that killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho," on Sunday.

Oseguera, 59, was the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He died in custody after being injured during a special forces operation on Mexico's Pacific coast in Jalisco state, according to the defense ministry.

The Mexican league announced on social media that two top-tier games scheduled for Sunday—Queretaro vs. FC Juarez in the men’s league and Chivas vs. America in the women’s league—were postponed indefinitely. Two second division matches were also called off, according to local media reports.

Sunday’s women’s match between Necaxa and Queretaro in Aguascalientes was briefly suspended when players fled the pitch after loud noises, reported by media as gunshots, were heard outside Estadio Victoria. The game later resumed, with Necaxa winning 2-1.

The Mexico national team is scheduled to face Iceland on Wednesday in a friendly at Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro.

Meanwhile, organizers of the Mexican Open men’s tennis tournament in Acapulco confirmed the event would begin on Monday as planned, following established security protocols. The Merida Open women’s tournament in eastern Mexico also proceeded without disruption.

“The WTA is aware of security incidents reported in parts of western Mexico. The safety of players, staff, and spectators remains our top priority,” the WTA said in a statement, noting that authorities had increased police presence around the tournament venue.

After news of El Mencho’s death, suspected cartel members blockaded highways with burning cars and set fire to businesses across more than six states. No civilian deaths have been reported.

Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara—one of three Mexican venues set to host World Cup matches this summer—will also host playoff matches between Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia from March 26-31. FIFA, football’s global governing body, has not immediately responded to requests for comment on security measures.

In Jalisco’s popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, tourists posted images on social media showing plumes of dark smoke rising into the sky. Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico, and American Airlines temporarily suspended flights in the area.

-Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena, Chiranjit Ojha, and Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Angelica Medina in Mexico City. Editing by Kevin Liffey/Reuters