FIFA World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino he has full confidence in Mexico as host despite cartel violence

FIFA president expresses confidence in Mexico as World Cup host amid cartel violence, assuring safety for upcoming matches.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday (February 26, 2026) he spoke with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and that he has “full confidence” in Mexico as a host country for this year's World Cup soccer tournament despite violent incidents following the death of a powerful drug lord that left at least 70 people dead.

Last Sunday (February 22), the Mexican army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CNGJ) sparking several days of violence. Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states.

“I had an excellent conversation earlier today with Mexico President, Claudia Sheinbaum,” Infantino said. “I reiterated our full confidence in the host country and look forward to it staging all scheduled matches there at what will be the most inclusive and the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”

Mexico is set to host 13 World Cup matches, four of them in the western city of Guadalajara, in the Jalisco state, the central hub for the Jalisco cartel.

“I spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino; we continue working as usual to successfully host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Mr. Sheinbaum posted on X. “We reaffirm our confidence in the country."

Mr. Sheinbaum has vowed this week there was “no risk” for visitors, but on Thursday (February 26) the World Cup diving event set to be held in a Guadalajara suburb next week was canceled over security concerns.