MEXICO CITY (AP) — The violence that erupted in Mexico after the death of a powerful drug lord has many questioning whether the country will be able to co-host the World Cup in just over three months.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes it is possible.
“Of course, we have been monitoring the situation in Mexico recently, but let me say from the beginning that we have full confidence in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum and the authorities, and we are confident that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” Infantino told a news conference in Colombia late Tuesday.
“Mexico is a great country. Like any country in the world, things happen. We don’t live on the moon or another planet,” Infantino added. “That’s why we have governments, police and authorities to ensure order and security.”
mexican army Killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguerra Cervantes, “El Mencho” led the Jalisco New Generation Cartelon Sunday, sparking days of violence. cartel members The car was on fire and the road was closed. Nearly a dozen Mexican states have been affected, with authorities reporting at least 70 deaths.
Four high-level local soccer games were postponed last Sunday, including one in the central city of Queretaro, where Mexico was scheduled to play Iceland in a friendly later Wednesday.
Mexico is scheduled to host 13 World Cup matches, including the opening game between the co-hosts and South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City. Four people are expected to attend in Guadalajara, the main hub of the Jalisco cartel.
Colombia is scheduled to play one match in Mexico City and one in Guadalajara.
“The first two games are against Mexico, but we know they will overcome this situation and move forward,” said Colombian Football Federation president Ramon Hessrun. “I have absolute and complete confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is a problem that Mexico can overcome and will overcome quickly.”
Other countries have also expressed further concerns. The Portuguese Football Federation said on Tuesday it was closely monitoring developments ahead of a friendly against Mexico scheduled for March. Jamaica is scheduled to play New Caledonia in an intercontinental play-off semi-final in Guadalajara on March 26, with the winner going on to face Congo for a spot in the World Cup.
“The game is at the end of March, so we still have a month to see what happens, but to be honest, I’m very nervous,” Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts said. “We will listen to instructions from CONCACAF and FIFA as to whether the match will take place or whether we are immediately exploring other options.”
Another Mexican city, Monterrey, will host a playoff where Bolivia will play Suriname and the winner will play Iraq for a spot in the tournament.
Scheinbaum said on Monday there was “every guarantee” that the World Cup match in Guadalajara would be held as scheduled, adding: “There is no risk.”
“We are in regular contact with the presidential palace and the Mexican authorities and are monitoring the situation,” Infantino said. “The World Cup will be an incredible celebration.”
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