Mexico Feb 23 (V7N)- The reported death of powerful drug cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, has triggered a major security crisis across Mexico, forcing the postponement of four key fixtures in the domestic football league.

According to reports, the leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel was killed during a military operation near Guadalajara. He reportedly died while being transported by helicopter to Mexico City.

In the immediate aftermath, armed groups allegedly set vehicles on fire and blocked major highways across roughly a dozen states, with violence continuing in several regions.

Guadalajara—capital of Jalisco—is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where four matches are scheduled to be held in June. Several international teams, including co-hosts and visiting sides, are expected to play fixtures there.

Meanwhile, Mexican Football Federation has yet to confirm whether Mexico’s upcoming friendly against Iceland next Wednesday will proceed as planned. The match is scheduled at Estadio Corregidora, but no official decision on postponement has been announced.

END/SMA/AJ