FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday expressed his reassurance regarding Mexico hosting a number of 2026 World Cup matches, affirming his confidence in this country and its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, despite the revenge attacks he witnessed after the killing of “El Mencho,” the leader of a drug cartel, in a military operation.

Published on: 02/25/2026 - 10:46

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that he was "very reassured" about Mexico hosting some of the 2026 World Cup matches in partnership with the United States and Canada, despite the violence that struck the country after the killing of a major drug lord.

The attacks and clashes led to dozens of deaths, during which cars were burned, stores were closed, and roads were blocked, after an atmosphere of terror paralyzed the country on Sunday, following the death of Nemesio Oseguera, nicknamed “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco Cartel, during a military operation.

Infantino: “We have complete confidence in Mexico and its president”

However, the FIFA President was keen to reassure the fans, less than four months before the start of the World Cup scheduled between June 11 and July 19.

In Barranquilla, northern Colombia, Infantino said during an event hosted by the National Football Federation that he was “very calm,” stressing that “everything is going well, and everything will be great.” He added: "We have complete confidence in Mexico and its president (Claudia Sheinbaum)," revealing that he is "in constant contact" with the local authorities and is following "the situation."

These are Infantino's first statements since violence erupted in large areas of Mexico, including the city of Guadalajara (west), which will host four matches in the World Cup.

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For her part, the Mexican President said on Tuesday that her country provides “full guarantees” for the safety of fans during matches. Sheinbaum stressed that “there is no danger” threatening fans who will visit Guadalajara in June to attend four matches within the world finals, stressing that the authorities have taken the necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of visitors.

Portugal is not confident in its friendly match in Mexico City

In addition to the four matches, including the match between Uruguay and Spain in the group stage, Guadalajara, along with Monterrey (northeastern Mexico), will host the international playoff matches, from which two teams (out of 48) will qualify for the finals, in March.

In fact, no violent incidents were recorded in Mexico City, Monterrey, nor in the other two Mexican cities hosting the World Cup.

On the other hand, the Portuguese Football Federation doubted that its national team would play in a friendly match scheduled to be held in Mexico City in March, given the “sensitive situation” the country is going through, according to a statement issued by it. However, Mexican coach Javier Aguirre seemed reassured, and said in a press conference: “Everything is going according to plan” regarding the smooth running of the match.

President of Mexico: The situation is "gradually returning to normal"

Two matches were suspended on Sunday in the states of Jalisco and Queretaro, located in central Mexico.

The killing of Nemesio Oseguera led to a wave of violence in 20 out of 32 states, especially in cities in the state of Jalisco, such as Puerto Vallarta, a famous coastal city on the Pacific Ocean frequented by Canadians and Americans.

But Sheinbaum reassured that the situation is "gradually returning to normal" and that Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports are operating smoothly, after many flights were cancelled.

France 24/AFP

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