BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA. – FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his “total confidence” in Mexico as host of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, despite the wave of violence recorded in the country in recent days.
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During a press conference, the leader of the highest body of world football stated that FIFA is monitoring the situation, but reiterated its support for the Mexican authorities.
“We are analyzing and closely monitoring what is happening in Mexico, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president Claudia Sheinbaum, and in its authorities. We are convinced that everything will unfold in the best possible way,” he declared.
Monitoring the situation
The statements come after the outbreak of violence unleashed after the death in Jalisco of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a fact that generated international concern a few months before the tournament.
Infantino stressed that FIFA maintains permanent contact with the Mexican government and that there is no intention of modifying the assigned venues.
Mexico will host 13 matches of the 2026 World Cup distributed in three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The capital will be the scene of the opening match on June 11 at the renovated Azteca Stadium, while Guadalajara and Monterrey will also host group stage matches and knockout rounds.
Confirmed Previous Events
The president of the organization recalled that in March, the repechage matches that will award the last tickets to the World Cup will be played in Mexico, in addition to the official inauguration of the remodeled Azteca Stadium.
“Mexico is a great country for football. As in any nation in the world, situations occur that must be addressed by the authorities. For that, the States, the police and the institutions exist, which will guarantee order and security,” he pointed out.
Infantino concluded by assuring that the 2026 World Cup will be “an incredible party”, reaffirming FIFA’s institutional support for the North American country as one of the main venues for the tournament.
During a press conference, the leader of the highest body of world football stated that FIFA is monitoring the situation, but reiterated its support for the Mexican authorities.
“We are analyzing and closely monitoring what is happening in Mexico, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president Claudia Sheinbaum, and in its authorities. We are convinced that everything will unfold in the best possible way,” he declared.
