Mexico is experiencing a persistent open war between drug cartels and national armed forces across the country [1].

The escalation of violence threatens national stability and public safety as rival factions fight for control of lucrative drug trafficking routes. This instability persists despite ongoing military operations aimed at containing the criminal organizations [1, 2, 3].

The conflict has intensified significantly during 2025 and 2026 [1, 3]. This period follows a long-term trend of violence that began in 2006 [1]. According to one report, more than 400,000 people have died since that intensification began [1].

A critical turning point occurred with the death of El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel [2]. While the elimination of a top leader is a tactical victory for the state, analysts said his death has opened a new, more chaotic phase of the cartel war [2, 3].

Fighting is widespread, with notable activity in regions such as Mazatlán and the Cerro del Creston area [1, 3]. The struggle for power involves several major groups, including the Jalisco Nueva Generación, the Chapitos, and the Mayos [1]. These organizations use corruption and extreme violence to maintain their profits and influence [1, 2, 3].

President Claudia Sheinbaum has praised the military's role in managing the crisis. "Mexico really has extraordinary armed forces. The people must be very grateful to them," Sheinbaum said [3].

Despite the internal chaos, perspectives on the international impact vary. Some reports said that the succession of El Mencho has plunged the country into chaos [3]. However, other reports said that FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains unconcerned about how cartel violence will affect matches in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup [3].

“More than 400,000 people have died since 2006.”

The death of a high-profile kingpin like El Mencho often creates a power vacuum that triggers internal fracturing and inter-cartel warfare. While the government emphasizes military strength, the persistence of the conflict since 2006 suggests that removing individual leaders does not dismantle the underlying economic structures of the drug trade. The contradiction regarding the 2026 World Cup highlights a tension between the government's need to project stability to the world and the reality of territorial disputes on the ground.