Mexico: 2026 World Cup Venues Secure, Jalisco Clears Doubts Over Violence

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus has cleared up any doubts about Mexico’s participation as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent incidents of violence in the country. In statements offered this Monday, Lemus assured that Mexico is not at risk of losing its World Cup venues. This statement comes after international concern generated by the security situation in Jalisco, which had questioned the country’s ability to guarantee order during the tournament.

There is a lot of false information; some media outlets have picked it up, but President Claudia Sheinbaum herself has confirmed it: there is absolutely no risk for Mexico of losing any of the three World Cup venues

Pablo Lemus, Governor of Jalisco

Lemus explained that he met with FIFA representatives in Mexico, who reaffirmed their confidence in the country as the host of the event.

Confirmed Venues

Mexico will host 13 matches of the 2026 World Cup, in addition to four play-off matches prior to the tournament. The confirmed venues are:

• Mexico City, at the Azteca Stadium, where the opening match will be played on June 11, 2026.
• Guadalajara, at the Akron Stadium, with four group stage matches.
• Monterrey, at the BBVA Stadium, which will host three initial phase matches and one knockout round match.

The governor also confirmed that the repechage matches are scheduled for March and that the World Cup trophy will be presented next Saturday at the Akron Stadium, as part of the activities prior to the tournament. Mexico will also host four play-off matches that will define the last teams to qualify for the World Cup, consolidating its strategic role within the joint organization of the event. With these guarantees, the Mexican authorities reiterate that the country maintains its commitment to offer a safe and successful World Cup in 2026.