Akron Stadium, a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stands in Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Marco Ugarte/AP
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Marco Ugarte/AP
MEXICO CITY — The violence that erupted in Mexico after the demise of a robust drug lord has left many questioning whether or not the nation will have the ability to co-host the World Cup in simply over three months.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino thinks it might.
“Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” Infantino stated late Tuesday in a press convention in Colombia.
“Mexico is a great country, like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet,” Infantino added. “That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.”
The Mexican military killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Era Cartel, on Sunday, sparking a number of days of violence. Cartel members burned automobiles and blocked roads in almost a dozen Mexican states and authorities report that no less than 70 folks have died.
4 high-level soccer matches from the native leagues had been postponed final Sunday, together with one within the central metropolis of Queretaro, the place Mexico defeated Iceland 4-0 late Wednesday in a pleasant match.
Earlier than the match, a minute of silence was held within the Corregidora stadium in honor of the troopers who died in the course of the operation to seize Oseguera.
13 World Cup matches are scheduled to be held in Mexico, together with the opening recreation in Mexico Metropolis on June 11 between the co-host and South Africa. Guadalajara, the central hub for the Jalisco cartel, is scheduled to host 4.
Colombia is about to play one recreation in Mexico Metropolis and one in Guadalajara.
“Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward,” stated Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Soccer Federation. “I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome, and overcome very quickly.”
Different nations have expressed extra concern. The Portuguese soccer federation stated Tuesday that it was carefully monitoring developments forward of a deliberate pleasant in opposition to Mexico in March. Jamaica is about to play New Caledonia in Guadalajara on March 26 in an intercontinental playoff semifinal, with the winner advancing to face Congo for a World Cup spot.
“The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest,” stated Michael Ricketts, the president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation. “We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions (on) whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options.”
One other Mexican metropolis, Monterrey, will host a playoff the place Bolivia performs Suriname and the winner faces Iraq for a spot within the event.
On Monday, Sheinbaum stated there may be “every guarantee” that the World Cup matches in Guadalajara can be performed as deliberate and added that there was “no risk.”
“We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation,” Infantino stated. “The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration”.
