World Cup 2026: FIFA Confident in Mexico Despite Cartel Violence

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he has "complete confidence" in Mexico as a World Cup co-host despite days of cartel violence in the country that has left at least 70 people dead.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marking the first time the event will be shared by three host nations. However, the recent spate of deadly clashes between rival drug cartels in parts of Mexico has raised concerns about the country's ability to ensure the safety and security of teams, fans, and officials during the global tournament.

Despite these challenges, Infantino expressed his unwavering support for Mexico's hosting role, stating that the FIFA organization has "complete confidence" in the country's capacity to deliver a safe and successful World Cup experience.

"We have complete confidence in Mexico," Infantino told reporters during a recent visit to one of the proposed World Cup stadiums in Guadalajara. "The security situation is being closely monitored, and we are working closely with the Mexican authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to protect players, fans, and officials."

The FIFA chief acknowledged the challenges posed by the cartel violence, but he emphasized that the organization has a track record of successfully hosting major events in complex security environments. Infantino pointed to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which took place amid social unrest and protests, as an example of how FIFA can navigate such issues.

"We have experienced these kinds of situations before, and we know how to handle them," Infantino said. "We will work closely with the Mexican authorities to ensure that the World Cup is a safe and secure event for everyone involved."

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from the current 32, making it the largest FIFA tournament in history. The decision to co-host the event across North America was seen as a way to accommodate the expanded format and provide a platform for the sport's continued growth in the region.

Despite the concerns over cartel violence, Infantino expressed confidence that Mexico and its co-hosts will be able to deliver a memorable and successful World Cup experience. "We are fully committed to working with our partners in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to make the 2026 World Cup the best ever," he said.