Multiple soccer matches in Mexico have been postponed after widespread unrest in Mexico following the death of drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes.
Mexican Open organisers, meanwhile, have insisted the ATP tournament in Acapulco will go ahead as planned despite the violence.
Oseguera Cervantes, ‘El Mencho’, was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel and was killed by the Mexican army on Sunday during an operation to capture him.
The 59-year-old’s death led to armed groups blocking roads and setting fire to supermarkets, banks and vehicles in states across the country, including in Jalisco’s capital, 2026 World Cup host city Guadalajara.
On Monday, Mexican authorities confirmed at least 62 people were killed in the operation against Oseguera and the unrest that followed. That included 34 suspected cartel members, 25 members of the Mexican National guard, one state prosecutor, one security guard and one civilian.
Mexico’s top soccer league announced on Sunday that Monday’s match between Queretaro and FC Juarez would be rescheduled. The home side also asked fans not to come to the stadium in Queretaro, 131 miles from Mexico City and 300 miles from Guadalajara.
There was also disruption to Liga MX Femenil (Mexican women’s top-flight soccer division) as the match between Club Necaxa and Queretaro appeared to be suspended as players were seen running off the field early in the second half. The game finished, however, after a few minutes’ delay with the home side winning 2-1.
A source with knowledge of the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Athletic that motorbikes revving their engines were misheard as gunshots during the Necaxa-Queretaro match, reflecting the panic that seized the country.
Two men’s second-tier soccer games were also suspended, with the Liga Expansion MX announcing on their social media that the games between Jabia Brava and Correcaminos, Tapatio and Tlaxcala, will be rescheduled.
On Monday, Mexican Open organisers released a statement denying media reports the event had been cancelled on security grounds. The ATP tournament takes place in Acapulco, Guerrero — one of the five states the U.S. government has warned citizens against travelling to due to the risk of violence.
“The event is proceeding as scheduled and the tournament is running normally,” the statement read.
“We maintain constant coordination and communication with federal, state, and municipal authorities, under established security protocols.”
The Women’s Tennis Association has said it is “aware” of the security situation in western Mexico. A WTA statement read: “The safety of players, staff, and spectators remains our top priority.
“The WTA tournament in Merida, located in the eastern part of the country, is operating as scheduled and there have been no reports of incidents in the region. Authorities in Yucatan State have increased police vigilance, including enhanced presence around the tournament venue. Additional security measures are in place at the tournament venue and official hotels.
“We continue to liaise with local partners and monitor official guidance, including updates from the US Embassy in Mexico.”
The opening round of the event begins on Monday.
Guadalajara is a city of around 1.4 million people and it will host four group-stage matches in the World Cup this summer, including between Uruguay and Spain on June 26 at the Estadio Akron. After the death of Oseguera Cervantes, Liga MX Femenil suspended Sunday night’s derby between Chivas of Guadalajara and Club America at that stadium.
Jalisco’s Governor of the State Pablo Lemus suspended public transportation, in-person classes and mass events for the remainder of the day on Sunday and on Monday.
Liga MX’s statement said: “The BBVA MX League announces that the match between Queretaro and FC Juarez, corresponding to matchday 7 of the 2026 Clausura Tournament, scheduled to be played today at 7:00 p.m. at La Corregidora Stadium, will be rescheduled with a date and time to be determined.”
Queretaro’s statement read: “We remind you that today’s scheduled match has been suspended and will be rescheduled. For this reason, we kindly ask you not to come to the stadium. The new date and time will be announced in due course through our official channels. Thank you for your understanding.”