QUERETARO, Mexico — Mexico's national soccer team is set to proceed with its friendly match against Iceland on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium here, despite a wave of violence sparked by the killing of a notorious cartel leader over the weekend. Sources close to the Mexican Football Federation, or FMF, confirmed to ESPN that the game remains on schedule, even as unrest from the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, or CJNG, has disrupted other sporting events across the country.
The turmoil began Sunday when the Mexican army announced it had killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the elusive leader of the CJNG, in a targeted operation. El Mencho's death, long sought by authorities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, triggered immediate retaliation from cartel members. In cities including Guadalajara and Queretaro, protesters — believed to be affiliated with the group — set fire to vehicles and erected barricades on major roads, paralyzing traffic and raising safety concerns nationwide.
The violence directly impacted domestic soccer. The FMF was forced to postpone Sunday's Liga MX match between Queretaro FC and Juarez FC at the same Corregidora Stadium where Mexico will face Iceland. Similarly, a women's league game between Chivas and America in Guadalajara was called off. These disruptions cast doubt on the international friendly, but the Mexico squad pressed forward with a training session in Queretaro on Monday, signaling confidence in the fixture's viability.
"The game is expected to take place as planned," a source from the Mexican federation told ESPN, emphasizing that security measures were being reviewed but no changes had been announced. Officials have not released further details on enhanced protections for the stadium, which seats over 33,000 fans and has hosted major events in the past.
The CJNG, regarded as Mexico's most powerful criminal organization, boasts an estimated 19,000 members and extends its influence across 21 of the country's 31 states, as well as Mexico City. The group has been linked to drug trafficking, extortion, and assassinations, contributing to thousands of deaths in recent years. In 2018, the Trump administration designated the CJNG a foreign terrorist organization, a move that intensified bilateral cooperation against it. El Mencho, who evaded capture for over a decade, was indicted in the U.S. on charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
International soccer's governing body, FIFA, has taken note of the instability. Sources indicated that FIFA requested detailed reports from Mexican authorities on the security situation following the Sunday clashes. Internal documents, dispatched from FIFA's Mexico office to headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, outlined the events from Sunday through early Monday, allowing the organization to assess potential risks.
Particular scrutiny is falling on Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and a stronghold of the CJNG. The city is slated to host four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, including two involving the South Korean national team. As one of 16 host cities across North America, Guadalajara's role underscores the tournament's expanded format, which will feature 48 teams — the largest in World Cup history.
The 2026 event is co-hosted by Mexico, along with the United States and Canada, though additional nations like Spain, Uruguay, and Colombia are confirmed to play matches in Guadalajara. Mexico's participation includes the tournament's opening game against South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue that holds iconic status after hosting the 1970 and 1986 finals.
Before the World Cup kicks off, Guadalajara and Monterrey are scheduled to stage FIFA's interconfederation playoff matches in March. These high-stakes games will determine two of the final six slots for the tournament, pitting teams from Bolivia, Suriname, New Caledonia, Jamaica, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo against one another. The playoffs represent a crucial step for smaller soccer nations vying for a spot on the global stage.
Despite the recent violence, sources familiar with FIFA's deliberations stressed that there are "no signs or indications" the unrest threatens Mexico's hosting duties. The federation's monitoring efforts are routine for major events in regions with security challenges, and past incidents, such as protests during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, have not derailed preparations. Still, the timing — just months before key pre-tournament fixtures — has heightened vigilance.
Mexico's immediate soccer calendar adds another layer of complexity. In addition to the Iceland friendly on February 25, the team faces a high-profile exhibition against Portugal in March, where global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature. Such matches serve as vital tune-ups for the World Cup, allowing coach Jaime Lozano to test lineups and tactics against European opposition.
The broader context of cartel violence in Mexico has long intersected with public life, including sports. Guadalajara, once a vibrant hub for soccer and culture, has seen its image tarnished by CJNG activities, including attacks on public infrastructure. The army's operation against El Mencho, reportedly involving drones and ground forces in a rural area of Jalisco, marked a significant blow to the cartel but also ignited fears of escalated reprisals.
Local residents in Queretaro expressed mixed sentiments Monday. One fan, speaking outside the stadium after the national team's training, said the violence had made him reconsider attending the friendly. "We love soccer, but safety comes first," he told reporters. Authorities, meanwhile, deployed additional police to the area, with Queretaro state governor Mauricio Kuri stating in a press conference that all necessary precautions were in place for the match.
As the dust settles from the weekend's chaos, the focus shifts to ensuring stability for upcoming events. FIFA's reports could influence contingency plans, though officials downplayed any immediate disruptions. For Mexico, hosting the World Cup is not just a sporting milestone but a chance to showcase resilience amid ongoing challenges.
Looking ahead, the nation prepares for a busy spring. The interconfederation playoffs in March will draw international attention to Guadalajara and Monterrey, testing the country's logistical and security apparatus. Success there could bolster confidence in Mexico's World Cup readiness, while any further incidents might prompt tougher measures from global partners.
In the end, Wednesday's game against Iceland — a team ranked 68th in the world compared to Mexico's 15th — offers a moment of normalcy. With El Mencho's death reshaping the criminal landscape, soccer fans hope it signals a turning point, even as the echoes of violence linger.