By The Canadian Press

CONCACAF monitoring violence in Mexico as Champions Cup continues

Feb 23, 2026 | 12:33 PM

Soccer’s governing body in North America says it’s closely monitoring ongoing violence in Mexico as its international tournament continues.

A spokesperson for CONCACAF, which oversees the sport in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, said in a statement Monday that the safety and security of everyone participating in the Champions Cup is the organization’s highest priority.

Two Canadian teams are still in the 27-club tournament, with Canadian Premier League side Atletico Ottawa set to visit Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC on Tuesday. The Vancouver Whitecaps host Costa Rican side C.S. Cartagines on Wednesday.

If Vancouver and Ottawa advance this round, they would next face MLS opposition. Should they move on again, they could play Liga MX clubs in Mexico in the quarterfinals.

CPL teams Vancouver FC and Forge faced clubs from Liga MX, Mexico’s top-flight league, in the opening round of the Champions Cup, but both fell in their two-legged aggregate series.

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Tourists and locals in several parts of Mexico are being encouraged to shelter in place after violence erupted in multiple regions following the death of a major drug cartel leader Sunday.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in ongoing communication with Liga MX and its clubs, as well as local authorities,” a CONCACAF spokesperson said. “We will continue to assess developments and provide updates as necessary.”

Four high-level soccer matches were postponed Sunday after the Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, in a town near World Cup host city Guadalajara.

Cartel members burned vehicles and blocked highways in multiple states following his death.

Mexico will co-host the FIFA World Cup with Canada and the United States starting June 11.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 23, 2026.

The Canadian Press