25 Soldiers Killed as Cartel Violence Rocks World Cup Co-Host Mexico After ‘El Mencho’ Death

Security concerns have intensified in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-host Mexico following deadly cartel reprisals triggered by the capture and death of notorious crime boss Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho.”

Mexico’s Security Minister Omar García Harfuch confirmed on Monday that 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in coordinated cartel attacks that erupted after Oseguera’s death on Sunday.

Vehicles drive past a burning bus used as a roadblock in Zapopan, Mexico. REUTERS/Gabriel Trujillo

The violence, concentrated largely in Jalisco state, has raised fresh questions about security preparedness as the country prepares to stage matches at next year’s global football showpiece.

Firefighters work to extinguish flames of a vehicle on fire in Guadalajara, Mexico. REUTERS/Michelle Freyria

Oseguera, long considered Mexico’s most-wanted criminal and leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured during a special forces operation in the town of Tapalpa, according to the defence ministry. The United States had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

Police officers secure the area where vehicles were set on fire in Zapopan, Mexico. REUTERS/Gilberto Gallo

Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla disclosed that intelligence leading to Oseguera’s capture stemmed from information provided by a romantic partner of the cartel leader.

In the hours following confirmation of his death, suspected cartel operatives launched a wave of retaliatory attacks. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, cars were torched, and gunmen targeted security personnel in multiple locations.

A forensic ambulance believed to be transporting the body of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera leaves the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime in Mexico City. REUTERS/Stringer

“El Mencho’s death triggered 27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” García Harfuch told reporters at the president’s daily press briefing. He added that 30 suspected cartel operatives were killed in the clashes, alongside one civilian bystander. At least 70 people have been arrested across seven states.

“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” the security minister said.

The unrest comes at a sensitive time for Mexico, which will co-host the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Guadalajara — in Jalisco state — is one of the designated host cities, while Mexico City and Monterrey are also scheduled to stage matches.

Smoke billows from burning vehicles in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via REUTERS

Although federal authorities have not indicated any immediate changes to World Cup planning, analysts say the recent violence underscores the scale of the security challenge facing organisers of the tournament, which is expected to attract millions of visitors.

The developments also drew international reaction. U.S. President Donald Trump called on Mexico to intensify its crackdown on organised crime, writing on social media: “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”

Mexican authorities insist that security forces remain in control and that preparations for major international events, including the World Cup, will proceed under strengthened safety protocols.

For football officials and fans alike, the focus now shifts to whether calm can be restored swiftly in a nation preparing to welcome the world’s biggest sporting event.

A member of the National Guard stands on a vehicle at the site on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, where unknown assailants torched a bus and a trailer, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by members of organized crime in several states after a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in Jalisco state, in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Mexico, February 22, 2026. REUTERS/Paola Garcia

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H