The FIFA president expressed 'absolute confidence' in the authorities after the violent events caused by the death of the drug lord El Mecho
Compartir:
Amid the wave of violence recorded on Sunday in different parts of Mexico after the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "El Mencho," Gianni Infantino publicly stepped forward to support the organization of the 2026 World Cup in that country and ruled out any changes to the venues.
The FIFA president spoke about the issue for the first time during a press conference in Barranquilla and brought reassurance in the face of reports that suggested a possible cancellation of the Mexican venue. "We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, at this time, but I want to say from the beginning that we have total confidence in your country, in your president(Claudia)Sheinbaum, in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will turn out in the best possible way," he stated.
Infantino recalled that in the coming weeks there will be official commitments on Mexican soil. "We are convinced that everything will turn out in the best possible way, we have some matches in a month in Mexico, the World Cup play-offs and Estadio Azteca will be inaugurated," he pointed out, in reference to the reopening of the historic venue that will host World Cup matches.
Sunday's unrest included roadblocks, vehicles set on fire, and other violent incidents in different states. However, the head of the world soccer governing body played down the impact of the events on the tournament's planning. "Mexico is a great country, it is a soccer country. As in every country in the world, things happen, we do not live on the moon, on another planet, that is why we have states, police, authorities, that will ensure order and security," he said.
México vivió una ola de violencia tras la muerte de "El Mecho"
He reinforced his message: "For my part, for FIFA's part, there is absolute confidence in President Sheinbaum, we are in regular contact with the authorities and we are following the situation. The World Cup will be an unbelievable celebration."
Before his statements, the governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, had already indicated that there was no intention whatsoever from FIFA's offices in Mexico to strip the country of its status as a host. It is worth remembering that Mexico will organize five matches at Estadio Azteca, as well as four in Guadalajara and four in Monterrey.
For the moment, the schedule and venues for the 2026 World Cup remain unchanged, with Mexico confirmed as one of the hosts alongside the United States and Canada.
