The killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, has triggered a wave of violence in Jalisco State, raising fears that the unrest could impact tourism in Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Background
El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed Sunday during a military capture attempt. The operation and ensuing clashes left 70 people dead, with cartel gunmen setting vehicles ablaze to block streets and engaging Mexican forces into Monday.
Jalisco, already plagued by cartel violence and disappearances, has been under scrutiny for years. The state capital, Guadalajara, is scheduled to host four World Cup matches, beginning June 11 when Korea faces the winner of the UEFA Play-offs path D.
Local Impact
Residents near the stadiums reported disruptions. Ángel Eduardo De La Rosa, a shopkeeper, recalled being told by police to close his store as cartel members burned cars nearby.
“Things could get ugly, so we closed up and went home to stay safe,” he said.
While businesses reopened by Tuesday, concerns remain among locals that tourists may be deterred.
Government Assurances
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured visitors that the violence will not affect World Cup festivities. Jalisco Governor Jesús Pablo Lemus also dismissed speculation that FIFA might remove Guadalajara from the list of host cities, stating:
“FIFA has absolutely no intention of removing any venues from Mexico. The three venues remain completely unchanged.”
Broader Concerns
Experts warn that the death of El Mencho could destabilize cartel dynamics, potentially sparking territorial battles. Vanda Felbab-Brown of the Brookings Institution noted that while large-scale revenge attacks are unlikely, uncertainty remains as both CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel have lost key leaders in recent years.
Despite the turmoil, Guadalajara appeared to return to normal by midweek, with traffic resuming and businesses reopening.
