Infantino sure of ‘spectacular’ World Cup in Mexico despite violenceImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The violence which erupted in Mexico on Sunday is among the worst the country has known in yearsByDaniel AustinBBC Sport senior journalistPublished23 February 2026Updated 57 minutes agoFifa president Gianni Infantino says he feels “very reassured” that co-hosts Mexico can still stage “spectacular” World Cup games despite an outbreak of cartel violence.The Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel – one of the country’s most feared criminal organisations – has engaged in gun shootouts with the Mexican military, blocked roads and burned vehicles in response to the killing of its leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, in an army operation.Mexico will join Canada and the United States in hosting the World Cup between 11 June and 19 July.”Very reassured, everything’s good. It’s going to be spectacular,” Infantino told news agency AFP.Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco where the violence began, is scheduled to host four matches at this summer’s tournament.Another five matches are scheduled in Mexico City, and four in Monterrey.Fifa mentioned it was “closely monitoring” the situation in Mexico earlier on Tuesday.A Fifa spokesperson mentioned the governing body “remain in constant communication with the authorities”. “We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities,” they mentioned. At least 25 National Guard officers were killed in the first 24 hours after El Mencho’s killing.
Violence began in the central-western Jalisco state – where a code red security situation has been declared – and has now spread to at least a dozen more regions, with videos posted online showing gunmen patrolling streets and smoke billowing over cities.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mentioned that there was “no risk” to World Cup fans, offering “full guarantees” for their safety.
