FIFA Reaffirms Confidence in Mexico’s World Cup Hosting Amid Security Concerns

The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has reiterated his organisation’s full confidence in Mexico’s ability to host World Cup matches safely, despite recent cartel-related violence that left at least 70 people dead.

Infantino confirmed on Thursday that he had held discussions with Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, following unrest triggered by the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The Mexican army carried out the operation last Sunday, prompting several days of violence across nearly a dozen states. Criminal groups reportedly set vehicles alight and blocked major roads in response.

“I had an excellent conversation earlier today with Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum,” Infantino said. “I reiterated our full confidence in the host country and look forward to it staging all scheduled matches there at what will be the most inclusive and greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”

Guadalajara Among Host Cities

Mexico is scheduled to stage 13 World Cup fixtures, including four in the western city of Guadalajara, located in Jalisco state — a region regarded as a stronghold of the cartel.

President Sheinbaum also confirmed the conversation, stating that preparations remain on track.

“I spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino; we continue working as usual to successfully host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” she wrote on social media platform X. “We reaffirm our confidence in the country.”

Earlier this week, Sheinbaum insisted there was “no risk” to visitors attending tournament events.

However, security concerns have already affected other sporting engagements. On Thursday, a World Cup diving event scheduled for next week in a suburb of Guadalajara was cancelled on safety grounds.

Federations Monitoring Developments

The Portuguese Football Federation said earlier this week that it was “closely monitoring the delicate situation” ahead of Portugal’s upcoming friendly against Mexico in Mexico City.

Infantino, speaking earlier in Colombia, maintained that he was confident “everything will go as smoothly as possible”.

Beyond the four World Cup matches, Guadalajara is also set to host an international play-off in late March. New Caledonia will face Jamaica, with the winner advancing to play Congo for a place at the tournament.

The President of the Jamaica Football Federation, Michael Ricketts, said his organisation is closely monitoring developments ahead of the Reggae Boyz’s scheduled fixtures next month.

Despite the recent unrest, FIFA and Mexican authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a secure and successful World Cup tournament.