Mexico insists World Cup 2026 security is guaranteed amid cartel violence | OneFootball

With fewer than 100 days until the 2026 World Cup, running 11 June to 19 July, FIFA officials visited Mexico on Wednesday to review organisation and security amid a surge in violence following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Osguera, known as El Mencho, during a military operation.

According to L'Équipe, the delegation met tournament coordinator Gabriela Cuevas and federal officials, on the instruction of president Claudia Sheinbaum, to go through logistics including the intercontinental play-offs and Iraq’s uncertain participation.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, speaking on Tuesday 24 February, struck an upbeat tone and said he was very calm about preparations despite the unrest.

Mexico’s federal security secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said intelligence, prevention and operational deployment protocols had been reviewed, and that coordinated work across federal, state and municipal levels would ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the tournament.

Co-hosting with the United States and Canada, Mexico will stage the opening match at the Azteca in Mexico City, where the national team face South Africa. Sheinbaum maintains security is guaranteed and says the surveillance and inspection plan is sufficient to deliver a peaceful, successful event.

Source: L'Équipe