The recent wave of violence in Mexico After the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has raised doubts about the organization of the next World Cup, but the FIFA President Gianni Infantinomade it clear that the organization maintains full confidence in the country as co-host of the tournament.
During a conference in Colombia, Infantino stated that FIFA is closely monitoring the situation, although he stressed that the Mexican authorities have the capacity to guarantee the security and normal development of the competition. The leader stressed that incidents of this type can occur in any nation and stressed that the World Cup will be a great sporting celebration.
Violence after the death of “El Mencho” generates international concern
Last Sunday, the Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, which sparked clashes and blockades in several states of the country. According to local authorities, at least 70 people have died in an escalation that even forced the suspension of national league matches.
The impact of the conflict has transcended the international football arena. Several federations remain attentive to the evolution of events, especially those teams that have matches scheduled in Mexican territory in the coming weeks.
World Cup calendar remains intact in Mexican territory
Mexico plans to host 13 World Cup matches, including the opening match at the Azteca Stadium on June 11. The city of Guadalajara, identified as one of the recent sources of tension, has four matches of the tournament on its agenda.
President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that there are total guarantees for the celebration of the event and ruled out risks for fans or delegations. Along the same lines, South American soccer leaders expressed confidence that the country will quickly overcome the situation.
International federations monitor the scenario
Although FIFA’s official position is one of absolute support, some federations have acknowledged concern. Portugal confirmed that it is closely monitoring the context ahead of its friendly against Mexico in March, while Jamaican football representatives admitted concern about possible changes to the venue of qualifying matches scheduled in Guadalajara.
Other international matches, including World Cup playoffs and friendly matches, have their dates unchanged for now, pending new evaluations by the governing bodies.
Institutional trust and organizational challenge towards the World Cup
Infantino’s public support seeks to send a message of stability at a key moment in tournament planning. Just over three months before the start of the World Cup, Mexico faces the challenge of demonstrating that it can offer a safe environment while continuing to prepare infrastructure and logistics.
For FIFA, the objective remains clear: to keep the organization of the event intact and consolidate the World Cup as a global celebration, even in the midst of a complex context that tests the response capacity of the Mexican authorities.
