Infantino Reaffirms Confidence in Mexico as 2026 World Cup Host
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his “total confidence” in Mexico as the host of the 2026 World Cup, despite recent events of violence in the country. During a press conference, the top leader of world football assured that FIFA is closely monitoring the situation, but reiterated its support for the Mexican authorities.These statements come after the concern generated by recent events, including the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in Jalisco. Infantino highlighted that FIFA maintains constant communication with the Mexican government and does not contemplate changes in the assigned venues. Mexico will host 13 matches of the 2026 World Cup, distributed in three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The Azteca Stadium in the capital will host the opening match on June 11, after its renovation. Guadalajara and Monterrey will also be venues for group stage matches and knockout rounds. The FIFA president recalled that in March the play-off matches that will award the last tickets to the World Cup will be played in Mexico, in addition to the official inauguration of the remodeled Azteca Stadium. Infantino concluded by stating that the 2026 World Cup will be “an incredible party”, reiterating FIFA’s institutional support for Mexico as one of the main venues of the tournament.“We are analyzing and closely following what is happening in Mexico, but I want to say from the beginning that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president Claudia Sheinbaum and in its authorities. We are convinced that everything will develop in the best possible way,” Infantino declared.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
