FIFA opens ticket sales for 2026 intercontinental play-off amid Mexico security concerns | OneFootball

FIFA has opened ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-off tournament in Mexico on 26 and 31 March, despite security worries. The move has prompted questions, notably from DR Congo.

The qualifying event will be staged in Guadalajara and Monterrey, with semi-finals on 26 March and finals on 31 March. DR Congo’s sports minister, Didier Budimbu, has voiced concerns over safety for players and supporters.

DR Congo are due to face the winner of New Caledonia versus Jamaica on 31 March in Guadalajara. In late February the city saw chaotic street scenes and what were described as “narcoblockades” after Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, was killed by the Mexican army.

Budimbu said they had asked the federation, Fecofa, to write to FIFA to raise doubts about security for their delegation and fans, adding that the opening of sales suggests FIFA believes everyone will be protected. He added they are discussing travel and visas because Mexico has no embassy in Kinshasa, it is in Kenya.

If the trip proceeds as planned, several hundred DR Congo supporters are expected to travel, with plans to take 600 to Guadalajara to back the Leopards. Among them is the well known “Lumumba Vea”, a still fan and lookalike of Patrice Lumumba whose profile rose during the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Source: L'Équipe