Reassuring statements from the FIFA president
Amid escalating security concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino asserted that he feels “very confident” in Mexico’s ability to host the 2026 World Cup safely and successfully. His remarks came in response to a wave of violence that swept across large parts of the country, including Guadalajara, one of the host cities, following a military operation that killed a prominent leader of the Jalisco drug cartel.
Speaking to AFP, Infantino sought to allay fears, saying: “I am very calm, everything is going well, and everything will be great.” He added: “We have complete confidence in Mexico and its president (Claudia Sheinbaum),” emphasizing that FIFA is in “constant contact” with local authorities to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary measures are taken.
General context: A historic World Cup and security challenges
Mexico is poised to make history as the first country to host the FIFA World Cup three times, following the indelible tournaments of 1970 and 1986. The 2026 tournament is part of a unique joint bid with the United States and Canada, and will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams. Mexico is scheduled to host 13 matches across three major cities: Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, the latter of which has recently been the site of security incidents.
The violence, which included setting cars on fire and closing shops, has sparked international concern about the safety of fans and participating teams less than four months before the start of the tournament. Although Mexican authorities, led by President Sheinbaum, have offered “full guarantees” for the event’s security, the incident has highlighted the ongoing security challenges the country faces in its fight against organized crime.
The importance and expected impact of the tournament
Hosting the World Cup holds immense economic and strategic importance for Mexico. Domestically, the tournament is expected to boost tourism, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate investment in infrastructure. The event also presents an opportunity to enhance Mexico's international image as a nation capable of successfully organizing large-scale global events. Any security lapse would not only jeopardize the safety of visitors but could also severely damage the country's reputation in the long run.
Internationally, the success of this three-nation World Cup hinges on close security coordination between the three countries. Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for fans from around the world is a top priority for FIFA, as any incidents could negatively impact decisions regarding future joint bids. Therefore, Infantino's statements underscore the mutual trust between FIFA and the Mexican authorities, and their shared commitment to delivering an exceptional and safe World Cup.
