El Mencho’s World Cup 2026 plans revealed after Mexican cartel kingpin was killed
The World Cup 2026 was targeted by drug kingpin and cartel leader El Mencho before he was killed by the Mexican military
El Mencho died last Sunday following a shootout with Mexican authorities(Image: DEA)
Mexican drug kingpin El Mencho had secret plans to hand his closest associates tickets to the World Cup 2026 matches before his death, according to a report.
The notorious drug trafficker, whose real name was Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s fastest-growing and most ruthless criminal organisations.
His extensive smuggling of illegal substances like fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States led to a bounty of up to £11million offered by the US for information resulting in his capture.
CJNG’s attacks on Mexican government officials resulted in it being labelled a foreign terrorist organisation by Donald Trump’s administration.
El Mencho was injured in a military operation tasked with capturing him last Sunday and died from his injuries in a helicopter on the way to Mexico City. His death sparked a surge of violence in the state of Jalisco, which serves as CJNG’s primary base, in recent days.
Now, according to Mexican publication Milenio, the deceased drug lord had secured tickets for all four upcoming matches at Estadio Akron, situated near Guadalajara, Jalisco.
The stadium is one of the 16 venues for the tournament, spread across Mexico, the United States and Canada. The Mexican newspaper reports El Mencho managed to secure a considerable number of World Cup tickets through his extensive network of contacts.
It’s alleged he intended to distribute these tickets as rewards and gifts to his most influential allies in politics and business.
The same publication had previously reported that the Mexican government requested the United States to refrain from any action against the drug lord in 2026, due to the potential risk of escalating violence that could impact the World Cup venues.
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El Mencho’s death triggered widespread violence from his organisation this week, including road blockades and vehicle arson.
This has resulted in increased scrutiny over Mexico’s hosting responsibilities, with some calling for the country to be stripped of its privileges with only months left until the tournament begins. The nation is set to host 13 matches across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
