FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed full confidence in Mexico's ability to host matches for the 2026 World Cup, following a phone call with President Claudia Sheinbaum. This comes amid violence sparked by the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, which led to event cancellations and security concerns. Sheinbaum announced that FIFA representatives will soon visit to assess security and mobility in host cities.
The violence in Mexico escalated after the Mexican army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. The operation and subsequent cartel retaliation resulted in at least 70 deaths, with members setting vehicles ablaze and blocking roads in at least 12 states, particularly affecting cities in Jalisco, including Guadalajara, scheduled to host four World Cup matches.
Several events were canceled due to the unrest. On February 22, four major domestic football games were called off, and the Mexican Football Federation postponed an international friendly between Mexico and Iceland. Additionally, World Aquatics canceled a Diving World Cup event planned for the following week near Guadalajara, though Sheinbaum stated that the government sports authority CONADE is working to relocate it to another city.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Infantino held a phone discussion with Sheinbaum. In a statement on FIFA's social media, Infantino said: “I had an excellent conversation earlier today with Mexico President, Claudia Sheinbaum. I reiterated our full confidence in the host country and look forward to it staging all scheduled matches there at what will be the most inclusive and the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”
Sheinbaum, in her daily briefing on Friday, February 27, confirmed the talks and noted that FIFA assured her the tournament would proceed in Mexico. “He assured me that the World Cup would be held in our country,” she said. “We agreed that a FIFA team would definitely come to review several issues. We’ve been working on this for a long time but the issue of security is particularly important, of course.” She added that the violence was a “special situation” and that normalcy had returned with existing safety measures in place.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11, 2026, with Mexico set to host 13 matches across Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Mobility challenges persist: in Mexico City, light rail improvements near Azteca Stadium are ongoing; Monterrey's subway is under construction; and Guadalajara's stadium relies on parking due to limited public transport. Infantino also raised traffic concerns in these cities, which Sheinbaum said are being addressed.
Despite the disruptions, the ATP's Mexican Open continues in the country, and Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico's commitment: “Every team in the world can rest assured that they will be welcomed in Mexico with open arms.” No specific dates were provided for the FIFA visit.
