Infantino reassures Mexico over World Cup hosting after surge in violence

• FIFA president Gianni Infantino has spoken directly with Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum to reaffirm confidence in the country’s ability to host World Cup matches this summer.
• The call followed a wave of unrest triggered by the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho.
• Thirteen World Cup matches are scheduled to be staged across Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has held talks with Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum to restate his confidence in Mexico hosting World Cup games this summer, despite recent unrest and outbreaks of violence across the country.

The conversation came after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in a targeted military operation on Sunday. His death prompted a surge in violent incidents across several Mexican states, raising concerns around security.

FIFA said it has been closely monitoring the situation. Speaking via the organisation’s official channels, Infantino said: “I had an excellent conversation today with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. I reiterated our full confidence in the host country and we look forward to them hosting all the matches scheduled there in what will be the most inclusive and grand FIFA World Cup ever.”

Mexico is set to co-host the tournament alongside Canada and the United States. A total of 13 matches will be played across Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

Jalisco’s Estadio Akron is due to stage a World Cup qualifying playoff next month, followed by four World Cup matches in June.

President Sheinbaum confirmed the discussion and insisted that Mexico remains fully committed to delivering a successful tournament. “I spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. We continue working as before to successfully host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We reaffirm our confidence in the country,” she said.

However, concerns over travel safety have already had an impact on other events. World Aquatics announced this week that it has cancelled the Diving World Cup scheduled to take place in Zapopan from March 5 to March 8. The governing body cited travel restrictions issued by several international embassies and a broader assessment of travel cautions as the reasons for the decision.

Despite those developments, FIFA remain confident that preparations for the World Cup in Mexico will continue as planned.