FIFA’s Infantino has ‘complete confidence’ in Mexico to host World Cup

By CARLOS RODRIGUEZ

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The violence that erupted in Mexico after the demise of a strong drug lord has left many questioning whether or not the nation will have the ability to co-host the World Cup in simply over three months.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino thinks it may.

“In fact, we’re monitoring the state of affairs in Mexico lately, however I need to say from the outset that we now have full confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and within the authorities, and we’re satisfied that every part will go as easily as potential,” Infantino mentioned late Tuesday in a press convention in Colombia.

“Mexico is a superb nation, like in each nation on this planet, issues occur; we don’t reside on the moon or one other planet,” Infantino added. “That’s why we now have governments, police, and authorities who will guarantee order and safety.”

Akron Stadium, a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stands in Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Picture/Marco Ugarte)

Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez celebrates scoring his aspect’s fourth purpose towards Iceland in a pleasant soccer match in Queretaro, Mexico, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (AP Picture/Fernando Llano)

Pedestrians stroll previous charred buses that had been set on fireplace, on a highway in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the demise of the chief of the Jalisco New Technology Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, generally known as “El Mencho.” (AP Picture/Refugio Ruiz)

Akron Stadium, a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stands in Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2026. (AP Picture/Marco Ugarte)

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Akron Stadium, a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stands in Guadalajara, Mexico, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Picture/Marco Ugarte)

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The Mexican military killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday, sparking a number of days of violence. Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in practically a dozen Mexican states and authorities report that no less than 70 individuals have died.

4 high-level soccer matches from the native leagues had been postponed final Sunday, together with one within the central metropolis of Queretaro, the place Mexico defeated Iceland 4-0 late Wednesday in a pleasant match.

Earlier than the match, a minute of silence was held within the Corregidora stadium in honor of the troopers who died in the course of the operation to seize Oseguera.

13 World Cup matches are scheduled to be held in Mexico, together with the opening sport in Mexico Metropolis on June 11 between the co-host and South Africa. Guadalajara, the central hub for the Jalisco cartel, is scheduled to host 4.

Colombia is ready to play one sport in Mexico Metropolis and one in Guadalajara.

“Our first two matches are in Mexico, however we all know they’ll overcome this and transfer ahead,” mentioned Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Soccer Federation. “I’ve absolute and complete confidence in my geopolitical pondering that this is a matter Mexico will overcome, and overcome in a short time.”