Football Matches Postponed Due to Violence After 'El Mencho' Killed by Army

Deadly clashes break out following the death of a powerful cartel leader in Mexico

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Four high-profile football matches were postponed on Sunday after the Mexican Army killed the leader of a powerful drug cartel in a shootout. The violence that erupted in the aftermath of the death of 'El Mencho' led authorities to call off the games for public safety reasons.

Why it matters

The death of 'El Mencho', the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, is a major blow to organized crime in Mexico. However, his killing has also sparked violent retaliation from his cartel, disrupting normal life and activities like sporting events in the affected regions.

The details

The four football matches that were postponed were part of Mexico's top professional league. Authorities cited concerns over public safety and ongoing clashes between security forces and cartel members as the reason for the postponements.

  • The shootout that killed 'El Mencho' took place on February 22, 2026.
  • The football matches were scheduled for February 23, 2026 but were postponed due to the violence.

The players

Jalisco New Generation Cartel

A powerful Mexican drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime syndicate based in the Jalisco state.

Mexican Army

The military force of Mexico responsible for defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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What they’re saying

“The safety of players, staff and fans is our top priority. We had no choice but to postpone these matches given the ongoing security situation.”

— Enrique Bonilla, President, Mexican Football League (Liga MX)

What’s next

Authorities are working to restore order in the affected regions and plan to reschedule the postponed football matches in the coming days once the security situation stabilizes.

The takeaway

The death of a powerful cartel leader has led to a violent backlash, disrupting normal life and activities in parts of Mexico. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the country faces in combating organized crime and maintaining public safety.