FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his full confidence in Mexico's ability to host a safe and successful 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with the United States and Canada. His reassuring remarks came in the wake of a wave of violence in some parts of the country, which had raised questions about Mexico's security preparedness ahead of the world's biggest football event.
During a press interview in the Colombian city of Barranquilla, Infantino said he was “very calm” about the situation, asserting that “everything is going well, everything will be great.” These remarks mark his first direct address of the security concerns that have arisen following violent clashes linked to operations against organized crime gangs, which have affected areas including the state of Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara, one of the cities slated to host World Cup matches.
An unprecedented historical context and joint organization
Mexico is poised to make history in 2026, becoming the first country in the world to host the FIFA World Cup three times, having successfully organized the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, considered among the most successful in the competition's history. This joint hosting with the United States and Canada marks a historic first, as it will be the first World Cup to be held in three countries and the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32, placing a significant logistical and security burden on the host nations.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The importance of hosting the World Cup extends far beyond the purely sporting aspect, encompassing enormous economic and social dimensions. For Mexico, the tournament represents an opportunity to enhance its international image, attract significant infrastructure investment, and revitalize its tourism sector, a cornerstone of its economy. The event is also expected to generate thousands of temporary and permanent jobs. Regionally, the joint hosting strengthens ties between North American nations and sets a model for international cooperation in hosting major events. For her part, the Mexican government, through President Claudia Sheinbaum, has affirmed its commitment to providing “full guarantees” for the safety of all fans, participating teams, and visitors, emphasizing that authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure the tournament's security.
Infantino’s assurances are intended to calm fears and reaffirm FIFA’s confidence in its partners, noting that security challenges are not new to countries hosting major tournaments, and that coordination between local authorities and the organizing committee is key to overcoming them and ensuring an exceptional experience for fans from around the world.
