Gianni Infantino insists Mexico will proceed to co-host 2026 World Cup despite security unrest

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Mexico remains firmly on course to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a surge in violence that has unsettled parts of the country in recent days.

Speaking publicly amid growing concern, Infantino stressed that the tournament plans remain intact and expressed confidence in the authorities’ ability to safeguard the global spectacle.

Mexico has been confronting heightened security tensions following coordinated attacks in several states after the reported killing of Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho.

The notorious figure headed the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel, and his death reportedly triggered reprisals including torched vehicles, vandalised businesses and blocked highways. The unrest forced the postponement of domestic football fixtures over the weekend.

However, preparations for international commitments appear to be continuing. A scheduled friendly against Iceland on Wednesday, February 25, is expected to proceed, signalling a determination within Mexican football to maintain normality.

“Mexico is a great soccer country. Just like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet. Things happen, and that is why we have governments, police, and authorities who are going to ensure order and security.”

“We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico during these days, but I want to say from the start that we have total confidence in Mexico. We are convinced that everything will proceed in the best way possible.”