Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be held in Mexico as scheduled, despite the recent escalation of violence linked to drug gangs in the country.
Infantino’s statements came in response to fears that Mexico would withdraw the right to host the tournament, especially after riots and fires broke out in the state of Jalisco, which is scheduled to host four matches during the World Cup next summer, in addition to the continental playoff matches qualifying for the World Cup scheduled for next March.
Infantino said in statements to the Spanish media: “We are not worried. We are following the situation closely, and we are in constant contact with the presidency and the local authorities, and we have full confidence that everything will go as planned. From the play-off matches all the way to the World Cup, the tournament will be a great football celebration.”
These statements come after the outbreak of violence following the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by the Mexican army, which led to riots, burning vehicles, and blocking roads, and raising concerns about the safety of fans and visitors in the area.
Infantino pointed out that football must stay away from politics, emphasizing the role of the game in uniting people and promoting the values of peace among young people, stressing that FIFA will continue to coordinate with the Mexican authorities to ensure that matches are held safely.
Mexico will host 12 matches in the joint tournament with the United States and Canada, including matches in Guadalajara with the participation of teams such as Spain, Colombia, Uruguay and Mexico, in addition to other matches that will be held in Mexico City and Monterrey.
