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Several professional soccer matches in Mexico were postponed over the weekend after violence flared up near Guadalajara, one of the country’s host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The decision came in the wake of a military operation that left cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” dead.
The killing of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel leader has thrown parts of the country into chaos, affecting civilians and prompting visiting Americans to seek to return to the United States
Joe Haden, who had stints with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, is among the Americans hoping to return home as soon as possible.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) warms up before playing against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Philip G. Pavely/USA TODAY Sports)
Haden commented on the developments he’s noticed during his visit to Cabo during his latest appearance on his “Deebo & Joe” podcast. He also admitted he should have taken former Steelers teammate James Harrison’s warning about traveling to Mexico more seriously.
“I should have listened to you. I should have listened to you, Deebo,” Haden said, referring to Harrison’s message emphasizing caution.
“Honestly, I’m a scared little brother. I can’t even lie to you. It’s going to be really hard on this side of the world. I have to get back [my] feet planted on a US territory. I’m not even trying to be funny, I’m kind of freaked out. Because when you talk about cartels, they go against the police. They run up airports and stuff like that.”
Joe Haden (23) of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 12, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Haden’s appearance on the podcast was cut short as he left to finalize travel plans back to the United States, leaving Harrison to host the rest of the episode.
“I’m trying to order my stuff, I’ve got a flight I can get now,” Haden said. “I was really trying to get on this show to show you my face, let you know I’m good, but I really need to slide.”
Joe Haden (23) of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on October 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Haden was believed to be in Cabo San Lucas at the time the podcast was released.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said via X that the US government provided intelligence support for the operation that led to the killing of “El Mencho”.
“‘El Mencho’ was a top target of the Mexican and United States governments as one of the largest traffickers of fentanyl to our homeland,” she wrote. She praised Mexico’s military for its work.
The killing of the drug lord sparked several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles, a tactic commonly used by the cartels to block military operations. Videos circulated on social media showed smoke billowing over the tourist town of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and people sprinting through the airport in the state capital in panic.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, is scheduled to play four games during the 2026 World Cup, including two involving South Korea. Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia are also scheduled to play at the venue.
Mexico’s national team is still set to host Iceland in a friendly on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro. As of Sunday, the Mexican Football Federation had not announced any changes to that match.
Not all sporting events were affected. Organizers of the Mexican Open in Acapulco said the ATP tournament would begin Monday at the GNP Arena as scheduled.
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