When images of burning vehicles and armed clashes in parts of Mexico made global headlines this week, many football fans wondered whether the country would be ready to safely host the 2026 World Cup. With less than four months to go, the timing of the violence sparked real concern. But Fifa president Gianni Infantino believes the show will go on without disruption.
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Infantino says the tournament remains on track
Speaking in Barranquilla, Colombia, Infantino insisted he felt “very reassured” after receiving briefings from Mexican authorities. He described preparations as “spectacular” and said Fifa remained confident that host cities — Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara — would deliver a successful tournament.
His comments came after a wave of violence linked to the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The clashes left at least 74 people dead and caused widespread panic as cartel members blocked roads across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states.
Read more: Could rising violence in Mexico shake up Bafana’s World Cup group?
Guadalajara under the global spotlight
Guadalajara, set to host four group-stage matches including the much-anticipated Uruguay vs Spain fixture, was the epicentre of the chaos. While the violence unsettled residents and travellers, local officials have maintained that the situation is stabilising.
Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus has firmly ruled out any venue changes, saying there is “absolutely no risk” that Guadalajara will be removed from the World Cup line-up. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed the same message, assuring the public that the unrest is subsiding and that fans will not face danger during the tournament.
Mixed reactions from football nations
While Fifa appears calm, not everyone is fully convinced. The Portuguese Football Federation said it is reviewing whether their national team should proceed with a friendly match scheduled for 29 March in Mexico City. Safety, they emphasised, will determine the final decision.
Mexico’s national team coach Javier Aguirre, however, remains optimistic, insisting that all plans are moving ahead as expected.
Read more: Former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter backs calls for fans to skip the US World Cup
Impact spreading beyond football
The fallout has reached beyond sport. Honda temporarily halted operations at its Guadalajara assembly plant as a precaution while assessing the security situation. Mexico, an important manufacturing hub for global automotive brands such as Ford, BMW and Audi, will be watching closely to ensure the unrest does not disrupt an industry vital to its economy.
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A country balancing passion and pressure
As Mexico prepares to share hosting duties with the United States and Canada, the country faces the dual challenge of ensuring safety while welcoming millions of supporters. For a nation where football is woven deeply into the cultural fabric, the World Cup is more than a tournament — it’s a moment of pride and global recognition.
The coming weeks will be crucial. But for now, Fifa’s leadership remains confident that Mexico will rise to the occasion, restore calm, and deliver a celebration of the world’s favourite sport.
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Source: SuperSport
Featured Image Source: FIFA Museum on X
