World Cup trophy tours Guadalajara after violence in Mexico | OneFootball

The FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Mexico on Friday to kick off a tour through nine cities in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. This comes amid heightened security measures following a recent wave of violence stemming from the death of a drug cartel leader.

Security concerns in Mexico, a country plagued by drug-related violence for two decades, have intensified after attacks carried out by criminals on Sunday. The action was in retaliation for a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho.'

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However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed on Thursday, in a phone call to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, that there is full confidence in the country as one of the hosts—alongside the United States and Canada—of the world's premier football tournament.

"Mexico is ready to welcome all visitors. All teams and their fans can be assured they will be received with open arms," declared Mexico's Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente on Friday, upon receiving the trophy.

"They can be sure they will arrive in a safe and hospitable place," added the minister, speaking on behalf of Sheinbaum.

De la Fuente highlighted the confidence that Infantino reaffirmed in Mexico for hosting the World Cup.

"The phone call that the FIFA president made yesterday to President Sheinbaum is a clear demonstration that reiterates the world's confidence in Mexico to host this World Cup," noted De la Fuente.

The trophy arrived at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, where it was also received by Ronald Johnson, the United States ambassador to Mexico, and Governor Delfina Gómez.

Roberto Ayala, former Argentine defender who is part of the coaching staff of the 'Albiceleste' team that won the Qatar World Cup in 2022, was present at the event. Also present was the legendary Mexican striker Hugo Sánchez.

The World Cup will pass through nine Mexican cities.

The tour will begin in Guadalajara, from February 28 to March 2.

Gabriela Cuevas, the Mexican government's representative for the World Cup, emphasized the importance of Guadalajara being the first Mexican city to receive the FIFA trophy.

"Guadalajara and Jalisco demonstrate not only the teamwork that exists in Mexico but also the importance of working with intelligence and cooperation, combating criminals, yes, but also addressing their root causes," she stated.

The trophy will then proceed to León (March 4 and 5), Veracruz (March 6 and 7), Chihuahua (March 9 and 10), Querétaro (March 11 and 12), Monterrey (March 14 to 16), Puebla (March 18 and 19), Mérida (March 21 and 22) and will conclude the tour in Mexico City (June 5 to 8), the location of the World Cup's opening.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.