Mexican Cartel Clashes Raise Concerns Ahead of World Cup

Violent confrontations between authorities and cartels in Jalisco state fuel worries about tourism and security for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Deadly clashes between the Mexican military and the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel have raised concerns about the impact on tourism and security in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The death of the cartel's notorious leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' sparked reprisals in tourist hubs like Puerto Vallarta, frightening visitors and leading some to cancel travel plans. Locals in towns like Tapalpa worry the violence could devastate their livelihoods, which rely heavily on tourism.

Why it matters

The clashes between cartels and authorities in Jalisco state, which will host World Cup matches, highlight the ongoing security challenges Mexico faces in curbing cartel violence. There are fears the violence could deter tourists and disrupt preparations for the global soccer tournament, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada.

The details

In the attempt to capture 'El Mencho' and the aftermath, more than 70 people were killed in fighting between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Mexican security forces. The cartel leader was killed after a shootout with the military near the town of Tapalpa. In the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta, cartel reprisals frightened tourists, leading some to have their flights canceled.

  • On Sunday, the Mexican military killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a shootout near Tapalpa.
  • On Monday, the violence continued as fighting raged between the cartel and security forces in several states.

The players

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes

Also known as 'El Mencho,' he was the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States.

Maria Dolores Aguirre

A 50-year-old resident of Tapalpa, whose family's corner store relies on tourism that has flowed into the charming town, located in the mountains of Jalisco state.

Steve Perkins

A 57-year-old visitor from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, who was in Puerto Vallarta with his wife Gayle when the cartel violence erupted, leading to the cancellation of their flight home.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to affect us. It's collateral damage. The government is going to have to have a lot of security. … The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

— Maria Dolores Aguirre, Tapalpa resident (AP)

“There's a lot of Americans trapped here.”

— Steve Perkins (AP)

What’s next

The Mexican government will need to ramp up security measures and coordinate with local authorities to ensure the safety of tourists and residents in Jalisco state ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The deadly clashes between cartels and the military in Jalisco state underscore the persistent security challenges Mexico faces, which could jeopardize the country's ability to safely host World Cup matches and maintain a thriving tourism industry in the lead-up to the global soccer event.