Mexico erupts and World Cup security fears rise after a cartel boss’s killing

Guardian Sport

by Jon Arnold

February 23, 2026

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Mexican authorities' recent operation targeting cartel boss 'El Mencho,' a former police officer who co-founded the notorious CJNG cartel, has sparked widespread violence, leading to canceled football matches and raising concerns about security for the upcoming World Cup. The fallout from his killing has already disrupted local sports events, with fears growing that the tournament might be affected as well. El Mencho, whose real name is Juan Francisco Escobar López, played a significant role in one of Mexico's most violent cartels. His death has triggered retaliatory attacks across the country, including disruptions near key locations like Guadalajara, home to the Estadio Akron, which is set to host four World Cup matches. The city's single access road to this stadium, previously a concern for traffic management during the tournament, now faces new challenges due to security risks. The violence has already led to the cancellation of several football matches in the region. On Sunday, a burning bus blocked the main road near a go-kart track named after Mexican Formula One driver Sergio "Checo" Pérez, further highlighting the chaos. This incident occurred just over a mile from the

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/23/2026