Key Takeaways
- Mexican soccer match postponements occurred after violence broke out following the death of cartel leader El Mencho in Jalisco.
- Four matches on February 23, 2026, including men’s and women’s Liga MX games, were canceled due to security concerns.
- Authorities reported unrest linked to a military operation, leading to violent acts and increased security presence in the area.
- Some sporting events, like the Mexican Open tennis tournament, continued with added security despite the postponements.
- As of now, Mexico’s national soccer team is still scheduled to play Iceland, with no changes announced yet.
The Mexican soccer match postponements were announced after violence erupted following the reported death of a cartel leader in Jalisco. Four matches scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2026, were called off due to security concerns. The affected games were to be played near Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Liga MX confirmed that two top-division fixtures were postponed. The men’s match between Querétaro and FC Juárez was suspended. The women’s league match between Chivas and América was also delayed. Two second-division games scheduled the same day were cancelled as well.
Violence Triggering Mexican Soccer Match Postponements
The Mexican soccer match postponements followed unrest linked to a military operation in Jalisco. Authorities reported that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” died after being injured during a security operation. He was identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Following the operation, suspected cartel members carried out violent acts. Vehicles were set on fire. Roads were blocked in several areas. Businesses and public infrastructure were affected. Security forces increased their presence across the region.
During a separate Liga MX match between Necaxa and Querétaro in Aguascalientes, players temporarily left the field after loud noises were heard outside the stadium. Local media reported the sounds were gunfire. The match later resumed, ending with a 2-1 victory for Necaxa.
Other Sporting Events Amid Mexican Soccer Match Postponements
Despite the Mexican soccer match postponements, some sporting events continued as planned. Organizers confirmed that the Mexican Open tennis tournament in Acapulco would proceed with additional security measures. A women’s tennis event in Mérida was also expected to take place as scheduled.
Mexico’s national soccer team is set to play Iceland in a friendly match in Querétaro later in the week. At the time of reporting, officials had not announced any changes to that fixture.
Authorities continue monitoring the security situation following the violence.
