FIFA Backs Mexico After Cartel Violence

February 25, 2026

‘Everything’s Good’: FIFA Backs Mexico After Cartel Violence

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures as he speaks during his visit to the new Concentration Hotel of the Colombian Football Federation in Barranquilla, Colombia, on February 24, 2026. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino told AFP on February 24, 2026, he was "very reassured" about Mexico's hosting of games in the World Cup, in his first comments on the violence triggered by the killing of a drug cartel leader. (Photo by David SALAZAR / AFP)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he is “very reassured” about Mexico’s readiness to host matches at the upcoming World Cup, following deadly violence caused by the killing of a cartel leader.

“Very reassured; everything’s good. It’s going to be spectacular,” Infantino told AFP in Barranquilla, Colombia, in his first public comments since unrest erupted in parts of Mexico.

Mexico is set to co-host the June 11–July 19 tournament alongside the United States and Canada.

The violence followed the killing of Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation near Guadalajara.

Handout photo published by the US State Department on December 4, 2024, showing a reward poster for the powerful Mexican drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera. Mexico confirmed on February 22, 2026, that soldiers killed a powerful drug cartel leader who was one of the most wanted men here and in the United States. (Photo by US State Department / AFP)

During the operation to apprehend him at a ranch close to Guadalajara and the ensuing confrontations between the security forces and suspected cartel members, at least 74 people were killed.

The government claims that only one of the victims was a civilian.

But the cartel gunmen blocked roads and set vehicles and businesses on fire in multiple states, including the host city of Guadalajara.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “no risk” to World Cup fans.

Sheinbaum said the situation was “gradually returning to normal.”

Tournament matches will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. Any changes to the hosting lineup have been ruled out by officials.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.