New Delhi: FIFA is currently monitoring the situation in Mexico but has “complete confidence” that the country can host World Cup matches amid the ongoing unrest and violence.
After the Mexican army killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, in a targeted attack, a wave of violence erupted across many Mexican states. The circumstances forced the Mexican Football Federation to postpone some matches, including Sunday’s Liga MX match between Queretaro and Juarez FC.
Mexico’s international friendly games against Iceland in Queretaro will go ahead as per the schedule on Wednesday. However, Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara has been in a state of emergency since Sunday. Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey will host 13 World Cup matches from June 12, with the other two co-hosts of the tournament, Canada and the United States.
‘We are monitoring the situation in Mexico’: FIFA president Gianni Infantino
FIFA President has said that they are monitoring the situation in Mexico, but has complete confidence in the authorities that everything will go smoothly.
“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 said during an event in Barranquilla, Colombia.
The Estadio Akron Stadium in Jalisco will also host a World Cup qualifying playoff next month, as well as four World Cup matches in June. The governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, also said that Mexico will not lose World Cup host status after a meeting with the world’s football governing body, and Infantino also reassured the fans.
“Mexico is a great football country. Like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet. That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.” Infantino added.
Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Estadio Azteca on June 12.