FIFA President Gianni Infantino Sends Strong Message on 2026 World Cup in Mexico After Violent Clashes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to commence on Jun. 11, with Mexico hosting the famed tournament alongside the United States and Canada. However, doubts about the World Cup have emerged following recent riots across Mexico.

Yet, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised that the tournament will be successful.

FIFA’s Gianni Infantino Dismisses Latest 2026 World Cup Concerns

Earlier this month, Mexico witnessed scenes of terror and violence after the killing of a drug cartel leader. The country as a whole and particularly the city of Guadalajara was shaken by the rampage caused by the army’s killing of Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera.

During the operation to capture the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss, at least 74 people were killed at a ranch close to Guadalajara. In response to Oseguera’s death, cartel gunmen torched vehicles and buildings and closed roads in 20 of Mexico’s 32 states.

During a Colombian Football Federation event earlier on Tuesday, Infantino was asked to share his thoughts on the FIFA World Cup set to be held in Mexico. He replied, “Very reassured, everything’s good. It’s going to be spectacular.”

FIFA has also confirmed it is “closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico.” On the other hand, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has recently claimed that the World Cup fans are at “no risk” as the situation is “gradually returning to normal”.

Three Mexican cities will host matches in the quadrennial tournament: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Apart from hosting four group stage games, Guadalajara and Monterrey will also co-host the play-off tournament at the end of March this year.

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On the other hand, United States men’s national team (USMNT) boss Mauricio Pochettino is confident about his side’s chances in the upcoming quadrennial tournament.

“At the draw of the World Cup, I met Donald Trump for a few minutes. He asked me, ‘What do you think coach? Can you win the World Cup?’ I said, ‘Of course, Mr. President’. Because it’s the USA. The American dream is there. The American culture is about being first, being number one,” the 53-year-old Argentine said on ‘The High Performance Podcast’.

“We are going to have the support of a massive country and all its fans. To try and push us to run, score goals, and make tackles. I think that will be a massive boost,” he added.

The USMNT, who will face Belgium and Portugal in friendly outings next month, is currently unbeaten in its last five games. It will take on Paraguay, Australia, and the UEFA Playoff C winner in Group D of the tournament, which Argentina won in 2022.