FIFA and Infantino have 'full confidence' in Mexico to host World Cup games despite cartel violence

Martin Macdonald

• 26 Feb 2026 04:45 CST
• 4 min read

News

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has "full confidence" that Mexico will be a safe host for the World Cup despite the eruption of violence between the army and cartels this week.

On Sunday, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho', was killed by the Mexican army. He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel.

As news of his demise circulated, armed cartel members took to the streets to block roads, set fire to vehicles and confront the army.

There is now violence and unrest across the country but it is concentrated to Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara, which just happens to be one of the hosts for matches at the 2026 World Cup this summer which takes place across Mexico, the United States and Canada.

🇲🇽 If CJNG cartel leader “El Mencho” is dead, what happens next?

Seeing as one of the most hidden kingpins in the cartel was found due to Mexico's cooperation with the U.S., the CJNG cartel is retaliating by showing the government that they still have control and power to shut… https://t.co/9aruPLiPka pic.twitter.com/BfevgWJPTK

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 23, 2026

Infantino insists that not only will Mexico be safe and ready to host its share of World Cup matches, but also for the upcoming intercontinental playoffs at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara which will take place in March.

“We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico at the moment,” he said. “From the outset, I want to express our full confidence in Mexico, in President Claudia Sheinbaum and in the authorities. We are convinced that everything will unfold in the best possible way.

“We have matches in Mexico in a month for the World Cup Playoff, and the stadium will also be reopened. Mexico is a great country, a football country, and as in every nation in the world, situations arise.

“From my side, and on behalf of FIFA, there is absolute confidence in President [Claudia] Sheinbaum. We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities, and we continue to follow the situation. The World Cup will be an incredible celebration.”

Following the unrest a few days ago, Liga MX announced that Queretaro versus FC Juarez would not go ahead, while the women's match between Club Necaxa and Queretaro saw players running off the pitch in the second half after warnings, though that game eventually recommenced.

Most notably, the Liga MX Femenil derby match between Chivas of Guadalajara and Club America due to take place at the Estadio Akron was postponed. As well as two intercontinental playoffs, that venue will host high-profile World Cup group stage matches such as Spain versus Uruguay.

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