Mexican authorities have urged Donald Trump to reconsider his pursuit of the notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, out of concern that the hunt could lead to violence spilling over during the upcoming World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the US, is expected to attract fans worldwide. However, Mexico is apprehensive that the US government’s efforts to capture El Mencho, the leader of the powerful Jalisco Cartel, could result in dangerous consequences.
Despite the Mexican government’s plea to US Attorney General Pam Bondi to avoid taking action against the cartel leader, US officials are wary of the cartel’s significant influence over businesses and state entities.
Reports suggest that Oseguera’s security detail includes elite commandos from Russia and top-of-the-line weaponry, raising concerns that a major operation against him could have severe repercussions, particularly for Guadalajara, a key venue for international matches.
Mexico is considering a temporary truce with the cartels during the World Cup, halting any enforcement activities against them as long as they maintain peace throughout the tournament. However, the success of such an arrangement hinges on the goodwill of the cartels rather than the government’s enforcement capabilities.
Recent actions by the Trump administration, such as the strike on a boat near Venezuela, have sparked legal debates and speculation about potential regime change in the region. The incident has been interpreted as a deliberate move to provoke Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro.
Reflecting on past World Cup events, the tragic Loughinisland massacre during the 1994 Italy vs. Ireland match serves as a reminder of the potential for violence during such high-profile sporting events. Six civilians lost their lives, and five others were injured when loyalist militants attacked a pub frequented by Catholics in County Down.
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