El Mencho dies: FIFA to move 2026 World Cup to Mexico due to unrest? The truth behind virality
El Mencho’s death sparked a wave of riots in Mexico. Nemesio Osegueraleader of the feared Jalisco New Generation drug cartel (CICC), was killed on Sunday following a military operation in Mexico. After the news broke, vehicles were burned and masked gunmen blocked state highways. Amid this tense situation, viral claims emerged on social media: FIFA Consideration is being given to moving the 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico.
This year’s World Cup starts in June, months before the crackdown on drug lords. The match was originally scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but there are now claims the location may change due to the outbreak of violence.
Follow live updates from Mexico following El Mencho’s killing
El Mencho’s death sparks heated discussion at FIFA
One person wrote on
another post claim “FIFA is planning to exclude Mexico from hosting the World Cup.” Another person claim “Deadly CJNG clashes in Jalisco after El Mencho’s death, calls to cancel Mexico 2026 World Cup match growing! Prioritize security – relocation?”.
A page online also noted that “calls are growing” for the Mexico game to be canceled. another person commented “The opener at the Azteca, right at the Cartel Center…”.
Fact-checking viral claims
While these claims are widely circulated online, they mostly come from unverified personal accounts. There has been no official announcement from FIFA or Mexican authorities that the tournament will be moved from the country following the death of the cartel leader.
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Grok fact-checked these claims online, explain “While FIFA and Mexican authorities are preparing to beef up security at the 2026 World Cup, recent violence following the death of CJNG leader El Mencho has raised concerns. No formal guarantees have been issued and the situation is being closely monitored. The tournament will still go ahead.”
Tensions rise in Mexico after El Mencho killing
While the game looks set to continue, tensions remain high in Mexico. Visitors and residents in some towns were urged to stay indoors, while truck drivers were advised to take safer routes back to warehouses while the violence was brought under control.
Airlines including Air Canada, United and Aeromexico canceled flights to the seaside resort town of Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. Earlier, tourists filmed El Mencho’s supporters resisting the killing of the kingpin, with smoke billowing from the fire.
“The attacks were carried out in retaliation for the leader’s death, initially against the government and out of resentment. But later, internal killings came and the group took over,” a member of the cartel told Reuters.
