MEXICO CITY (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Thursday that he has met with Mexico’s president. claudia sheinbaum He said he had “full confidence” in Mexico hosting this year’s World Cup. soccer The tournament went ahead despite violence following the death of a powerful drug lord that left at least 70 people dead.
Last Sunday, Mexican troops killed someone. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes “El Mencho”leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CNGJ), which sparked several days of violence. Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states.
“I had a great conversation today with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum,” Infantino said. “I reiterate my full confidence in the host nation and look forward to hosting all the matches in what will be the most comprehensive and best FIFA World Cup in history.”
Mexico is scheduled to host 13 World Cup matches, four of which will be played in the city of Guadalajara in the western state of Jalisco, the center of the Jalisco cartel.
“I spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. We will continue our efforts as usual to successfully host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Sheinbaum wrote on X. “We reaffirm our faith in this country.”
Scheinbaum assured visitors this week that there was “no risk,” but on Thursday world cup A diving event scheduled to be held next week outside Guadalajara has been canceled due to safety concerns.
The Portuguese Football Federation announced this earlier this week. “We are closely monitoring the delicate situation.” They are scheduled to play a friendly match against the Mexican national team in Mexico City.
infantino said in Colombia earlier this week. He was confident that “everything would go as smoothly as possible.”
In addition to the four World Cup matches, the western city of Guadalajara will host an international playoff in late March. New Caledonia will play Jamaica and the winner will play Congo for a spot in the tournament.
Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts said this week that the association was closely monitoring the situation in Mexico ahead of the Reggae Boys’ international matches scheduled for next month.
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