Mexican drug lord El Mencho, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had secret plans to distribute World Cup 2026 tickets to his closest allies before he was killed in a shootout with Mexican authorities last Sunday. This revelation comes from a report by Mexican publication Milenio, which details how the cartel boss used his extensive network to obtain tickets for matches at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
The Notorious Criminal and His Cartel
El Mencho, whose real name was Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, headed one of Mexico's most brutal and rapidly expanding criminal organisations. The CJNG was responsible for large-scale smuggling of drugs such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, leading the US to offer a reward of up to £11 million for information leading to his arrest. Under Donald Trump's administration, the cartel was designated a foreign terrorist organisation due to its attacks on Mexican government officials.
Violent Aftermath of El Mencho's Death
El Mencho was wounded in a military operation aimed at capturing him and died while being transported by helicopter to Mexico City. His death unleashed a wave of violence in the state of Jalisco, the CJNG's main stronghold, including road blockades and vehicle arson in the past few days. This surge in criminal activity has raised concerns about Mexico's ability to host World Cup matches safely, with some calling for the country to be stripped of its hosting duties just months before the tournament begins.
World Cup Ticket Acquisition and Distribution Plans
According to Milenio, El Mencho secured tickets for all four matches scheduled at Estadio Akron, one of the 16 venues for the World Cup 2026, which is spread across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The drug lord reportedly used his widespread connections to obtain a considerable number of tickets, which he planned to distribute as rewards and gifts to his most powerful allies in politics and business. This scheme highlights the cartel's infiltration into various sectors of society and its use of high-profile events for criminal networking.
Government Concerns and Security Implications
The same publication had previously claimed that the Mexican government asked the United States to refrain from taking action against El Mencho in 2026, fearing an escalation of violence that could affect World Cup venues. With Mexico set to host 13 matches across three cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—the recent violence has intensified scrutiny over the nation's hosting capabilities. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of combating organised crime in Mexico and its potential impact on international events.
As the World Cup approaches, authorities are likely to ramp up security measures to prevent further disruptions, but the legacy of El Mencho's cartel activities continues to cast a shadow over the preparations.
