Why Is Gianni Infantino Confident in Mexico’s Ability to Host the World Cup Amid Rising Violence?

Violence that erupted following the death of a powerful drug cartel leader has intensified international concern over Mexico’s security situation. However, the president of world football’s governing body has expressed full confidence in the country’s ability to co-host the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

With just over three months remaining before the tournament, questions have been raised about whether Mexico can effectively fulfill its responsibilities as a co-host nation. Despite these concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared confident while addressing reporters at a press conference in Colombia.

Infantino said FIFA is closely monitoring the situation in Mexico but stressed that he has complete trust in the country, its President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the relevant authorities. According to him, FIFA remains optimistic that the World Cup matches scheduled in Mexico will be conducted as smoothly as possible.

“Mexico is a great country. Incidents happen there just as they do in other countries around the world. We do not live on the moon,” Infantino said. He added that ensuring law and order is the responsibility of the government, police, and security agencies, and he believes they will provide the necessary guarantees.

The recent unrest followed a military operation in which Mexican forces reportedly killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” who was considered the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. In the days that followed, cartel groups reportedly carried out acts of violence in nearly a dozen states, including burning vehicles and blocking roads. Authorities say at least 70 people have died in the clashes.

The violence has also affected the sporting sector. Four top-tier local league matches scheduled for Sunday were postponed, including one in the central city of Querétaro. In the same city, Mexico defeated Iceland 4–0 in a friendly match. Before kickoff at the Corregidora Stadium, a minute of silence was observed in honor of soldiers who lost their lives during the operation against Oseguera.

According to the tournament schedule, Mexico will host 13 World Cup matches, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11. Guadalajara—considered an area of influence for the Jalisco cartel—is set to host four matches.

Colombia is scheduled to play one of its matches in Mexico City and another in Guadalajara. Ramón Jesurun, president of the Colombian Football Federation, expressed confidence that Mexico would overcome the current situation. He described the crisis as temporary and said he expects it to be resolved soon.

However, not all nations share the same level of reassurance. The Portuguese Football Federation has stated that it is closely monitoring developments ahead of Portugal’s friendly match against Mexico in March.

Jamaica is scheduled to face New Caledonia in an intercontinental playoff semifinal in Guadalajara on March 26, with the winner set to compete against Congo for a place at the World Cup. Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaican Football Federation, acknowledged that while there is still time before the matches at the end of the month, the current situation is concerning. He said the federation is awaiting further guidance from CONCACAF and FIFA.

Another playoff match is set to take place in Monterrey, where Bolivia will play Suriname, and the winner will face Iraq for a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed that the World Cup matches in Guadalajara would proceed as planned and that there was no risk to the tournament schedule.

Infantino reiterated that FIFA remains in constant contact with the Mexican government and continues to monitor the situation closely. He expressed confidence that the upcoming World Cup will be an “incredible celebration” and maintained that Mexico will successfully meet its hosting responsibilities despite the current challenges.