El Mencho was killed in a military operation
Fresh details have emerged about the hidden ambitions of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, following his death on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The feared leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was killed after being wounded in a military operation aimed at capturing him.
He reportedly died while being flown by helicopter to Mexico City. His death has since triggered a surge of violence across Jalisco, the cartel’s stronghold.
Now, Mexican publication Milenio reports that before his death, El Mencho had quietly secured a significant number of tickets for matches at Estadio Akron, one of the venues selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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The stadium, located near Guadalajara, is scheduled to host four matches during the tournament, which will be jointly staged by Mexico, United States and Canada.
According to the report, the cartel boss intended to distribute the coveted tickets as rewards to his closest political and business allies.
The move was allegedly designed to strengthen loyalty within his powerful network ahead of the global showpiece.
El Mencho had long been one of the world’s most wanted criminals, with the United States offering a reward of up to £15 million for information leading to his capture due to his role in large-scale trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
In a further twist, Milenio previously claimed that Mexican authorities had urged the US to avoid direct action against him in 2026, fearing that any escalation of violence could disrupt World Cup preparations. Instead, his death has brought those fears to the fore.
FKA/JE
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