MEXICO CITY — As Mexico grapples with a surge of violence following the killing of a notorious drug cartel leader, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has voiced unwavering support for the country's ability to co-host the 2026 World Cup. The assurance comes amid concerns that the unrest could jeopardize preparations for the tournament, which is set to feature 13 matches across Mexican venues just months away.
The violence erupted after the Mexican army announced on Sunday that it had killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. According to authorities, the operation in the western state of Jalisco marked a significant blow to one of Mexico's most violent criminal organizations. In the days since, cartel members have retaliated by burning cars and blocking roads in nearly a dozen states, with reports indicating at least 70 people have died in related clashes.
Infantino addressed the situation during a press conference in Colombia on Tuesday evening, emphasizing FIFA's trust in Mexican officials. “Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” he said. He added, “Mexico is a great country, like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet. That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.”
The timing of the violence has raised immediate alarms in the soccer world, as it coincides with preparations for international friendlies and qualifiers. Last Sunday, four high-level matches from Mexico's local leagues were postponed, including one in the central city of Querétaro. That same city is slated to host a friendly between Mexico and Iceland on Wednesday evening, though details on whether it will proceed remain unclear as of Tuesday.
Mexico's role in the 2026 World Cup is substantial, with the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The North American nation is scheduled to stage 13 games, including the opening match on June 11 in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, where the host team will face South Africa. Other key venues include Guadalajara's Akron Stadium, which will host four matches and serves as a central hub for the Jalisco cartel, the group now reeling from El Mencho's death.
Guadalajara, in the heart of Jalisco state, has become a focal point of the recent unrest, with road blockades and arson attacks disrupting daily life. Akron Stadium, a modern facility with a capacity of over 46,000, was photographed earlier this year amid preparations for the global event. Images from January and February 2026 show the venue standing prominently in the city, a symbol of Mexico's ambitions for the tournament despite underlying security challenges.
International teams preparing to play in Mexico have offered mixed reactions. Ramón Jesurún, president of the Colombian Soccer Federation, expressed optimism about his team's upcoming fixtures. Colombia is set to play one game in Mexico City and another in Guadalajara as part of World Cup warm-ups. “Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward,” Jesurún said. “I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome, and overcome very quickly.”
In contrast, some federations have voiced apprehension. The Portuguese soccer federation announced Tuesday that it is closely monitoring developments ahead of a planned friendly against Mexico in March. Officials there did not specify alternative plans but indicated a wait-and-see approach as the violence unfolds.
Jamaica faces a more immediate concern with an intercontinental playoff semifinal scheduled for March 26 in Guadalajara, where the Reggae Boyz will take on New Caledonia. The winner advances to face Congo for a spot in the World Cup. Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation, admitted to feeling uneasy. “The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest,” Ricketts said. “We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions (on) whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options.”
Another Mexican city, Monterrey in the northern state of Nuevo León, is also in the spotlight. It will host a playoff match between Bolivia and Suriname, with the victor advancing to play Iraq for a World Cup berth. While Monterrey has not been as directly affected by the Jalisco cartel violence, the broader instability has prompted questions about travel and safety for visiting teams.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public and international partners on Monday. Speaking from Mexico City, she stated there is “every guarantee” that World Cup matches in Guadalajara will proceed as planned, adding that there was “no risk.” Her comments align with Infantino's stance, as FIFA maintains regular communication with the presidency and local authorities.
“We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation,” Infantino reiterated during his Colombia appearance. He framed the World Cup as a unifying event, saying, “The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration.” FIFA's monitoring efforts are part of a broader protocol for host nations, though the organization has not indicated any contingency plans at this stage.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, founded in 2010, has long been one of Mexico's most aggressive criminal groups, known for territorial disputes and high-profile attacks on security forces. El Mencho's death, if confirmed by independent sources, represents a rare success for the Mexican military in targeting top leadership. However, experts note that such operations often lead to power vacuums and intensified violence, as seen in the current roadblocks and fatalities across states like Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato.
At least 70 deaths have been reported since Sunday, according to Mexican authorities, though the exact toll remains fluid as investigations continue. The unrest has extended beyond Jalisco, affecting transportation and commerce in multiple regions. In Guadalajara, schools and businesses closed temporarily, and military deployments increased to clear roadways and restore order.
As the World Cup approaches—now less than four months away—the stakes are high for Mexico. The tournament, the first to be hosted by three nations, is expected to draw millions of fans and generate billions in economic impact. Security has been a concern since Mexico won co-hosting rights in 2018, with past incidents of fan violence and organized crime prompting enhanced protocols. FIFA and CONCACAF have collaborated with Mexican officials on safety measures, including intelligence sharing and venue fortifications.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on whether the current violence subsides in time for upcoming fixtures. The Mexico-Iceland friendly in Querétaro on Wednesday could serve as an early test. If it proceeds without incident, it might bolster confidence among wary teams like Jamaica and Portugal. Meanwhile, Infantino's endorsement underscores FIFA's commitment to the original plan, betting on Mexico's resilience to deliver a seamless spectacle.
For now, the soccer community watches closely, balancing excitement for the global event with the realities of Mexico's challenges. As Sheinbaum and her administration work to contain the fallout from El Mencho's demise, the world waits to see if the fields of Guadalajara and Mexico City will indeed host the celebrations promised.