FIFA boss confident about Mexico World Cup despite violence

Al Jazeera

February 25, 2026

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed strong confidence in Mexico’s ability to host World Cup matches, even as the country grapples with increased violence tied to the recent killing of a drug cartel leader. Despite concerns over safety and security, Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s trust in Mexico’s organizational capabilities and its commitment to delivering a successful tournament. This stance highlights the international body’s belief that the country can manage both the logistical challenges of hosting major sporting events and navigate the complexities of its ongoing security situation. The recent surge in violence has raised questions about the safety of attendees, including fans, players, and officials. However, Infantino emphasized FIFA’s confidence in Mexico’s preparedness, pointing to the nation’s history of successfully organizing high-profile events, such as previous World Cup matches and other international tournaments. Mexico’s experience in balancing large-scale event management with security challenges appears to have played a key role in FIFA’s decision to proceed with the World Cup schedule. While violence linked to drug cartels remains a pressing issue in Mexico, Infantino’s remarks suggest that FIFA views these incidents as isolated and not representative of the country’s overall stability. This perspective aligns with broader efforts by Mexican authorities to enhance security measures ahead of major events, ensuring that concerns about safety do not overshadow the tournament’s preparations. The World Cup presents an opportunity for Mexico to showcase its ability to host global sports events while addressing ongoing challenges. For readers interested in global sports and international affairs, this situation underscores the delicate balance countries must strike between managing internal conflicts and maintaining a positive international image. Mexico’s ability to navigate these waters could set a precedent for other nations facing similar security challenges as they bid to host major events. Ultimately, FIFA’s confidence in Mexico reflects not just on the country’s

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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026