FIFA’s Infantino “Very Reassured” on Mexico World Cup Hosting Amid Cartel Violence

Infantino reassured on Mexico World Cup despite cartel killing violence

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that he feels “very reassured” about Mexico hosting World Cup matches, marking his first public comments since violence erupted following the killing of a drug cartel leader.

“As a precautionary measure, our operations in our installations in Guadalajara were temporarily suspended on Monday...”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is confident about Mexico hosting the World Cup despite recent cartel violence. “Very reassured, everything's good. It's going to be spectacular,” Infantino said in Barranquilla, Colombia, after cartel members went on a rampage following the killing of their leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.

The violence, which included roadblocks and arson attacks, shook Guadalajara, a host city for the tournament. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured fans of their safety, stating there's “no risk” to attending the World Cup. Infantino's comments aim to calm concerns about the tournament's security.

Mexico's hosting of the World Cup, alongside the US and Canada, has been thrown into uncertainty after the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), sparked widespread violence, particularly in Guadalajara. The city, which is set to host four group-stage matches, was already facing scrutiny due to its history of cartel violence.

FIFA has expressed confidence in Mexico's ability to host the tournament, with President Gianni Infantino stating he's “very reassured” about the situation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also downplayed the risks, saying there's “no risk” to fans and that the situation is “gradually returning to normal.” However, some locals and experts are skeptical, citing the government's failure to address underlying issues of violence and poverty.

The violence has already affected local football matches, with four games postponed, and has raised concerns about the safety of players and spectators. The Portuguese Football Federation has expressed concerns about traveling to Mexico, and some airlines have suspended flights to the area.

The operation to capture Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, resulted in at least 74 deaths, including 25 soldiers and one civilian, according to government reports. The violence sparked widespread chaos, with cartel gunmen blocking roads in 20 states and torching vehicles and businesses, leaving residents and tourists scurrying for cover.

The Mexican government has deployed 10,000 troops to quell the violence, and President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured fans that there's “no risk” to attending the upcoming World Cup matches in Mexico. FIFA has also expressed confidence in Mexico's ability to host the tournament, despite concerns about safety.

Four nations are set to make their debut at this year's @fifaworldcup! 🏆

Six qualification spots remain. Which nations will book their ticket to FIFA World Cup 2026? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IdKx0dWYYX

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) February 21, 2026

Violence Sparks Concerns Amidst World Cup Preparations

Locals in Puerto Vallarta, a Jalisco tourist resort, describe the scene as “war zone-like” after cartel violence left burnt-out cars and widespread destruction. “It feels like we're in a war zone,” said Javier Perez, a 41-year-old engineer, amidst the chaos. The images have sparked concerns about safety just months before the World Cup.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assures fans there's “no risk” to attending matches, while FIFA has so far refused to comment on the situation. The government has deployed troops to quell the violence, but locals remain skeptical.

He spoke at a Colombian Football Federation event, trying to calm concerns about the tournament's safety.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is also downplaying the risks, stating there's “no risk” to fans and the situation is “gradually returning to normal.” Guadalajara, which is hosting four group-stage matches, was hit hard by the violence, but authorities are working to get things back on track.

Guadalajara's got four group-stage matches lined up, and everyone hopes the situation improves soon. 

Mexico City and Monterrey are also set to host World Cup games, and luckily, they weren't affected by the recent cartel violence. Guadalajara, on the other hand, will host four group-stage matches, including the highly anticipated Uruguay vs. Spain game. Plus, it'll co-host the playoff tournament with Monterrey in March to determine the last two World Cup qualifiers.

The violence in Guadalajara has sparked concerns about safety, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino is “very reassured” about Mexico's hosting, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assures there's “no risk” to fans. The government has deployed security measures to ensure the tournament's safety.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus has ruled out Guadalajara being dropped from the World Cup, stating there's “absolutely no risk” of a change in the lineup. The city will host four group-stage matches, and authorities are working to ensure safety.

The focus now shifts to Queretaro, where Mexico faces Iceland in a friendly match on Wednesday. A first-division game was suspended in Queretaro over the weekend due to violence triggered by the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera.

Oseguera's Rise to Notoriety

Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, a founding member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was one of the most-wanted men in the US and Mexico, with a $15 million bounty on his head. He co-founded CJNG in 2009, and under his leadership, the cartel grew into one of Mexico's biggest and most violent drug cartels, overtaking the Sinaloa cartel led by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

The greatest show on earth 🌎🏆@NFL legend Tom Brady looks ahead to the biggest-ever @FIFAWorldCup. pic.twitter.com/rXvpL3KhTC

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) February 24, 2026

Impact on Car Manufacturing

The violence surrounding Oseguera's death affected various industries, including car manufacturing, with companies like Volkswagen and Nissan suspending production in Mexico. The unrest also impacted tourism and electronics manufacturing in Jalisco, a key hub for these industries 

Mexico confirmed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera's capture was aided by US intelligence, but stressed no US forces participated in the operation. The violence following his death led to widespread disruptions, including Honda suspending its Guadalajara plant operations as a precaution.

The fallout from the violence was significant, with at least 74 people killed, including 25 soldiers, and over 70 arrested. The US had offered a $15 million bounty for Oseguera's capture, and his death is seen as a major blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

“As a precautionary measure, our operations in our installations in Guadalajara were temporarily suspended on Monday, February 23,” Daniela Sanchez, a spokesperson for the car factory, said, explaining that the automotive giant was currently “assessing the (security) situation.”

Mexico's automotive sector is a significant player globally, with major manufacturers like Ford, GM, BMW, and Audi operating there. The country's strategic location and trade agreements make it an ideal hub for serving North American and European markets.

The recent violence might impact production and supply chains, especially in Jalisco, where Guadalajara is a key manufacturing center. Companies like Honda and Nissan have already suspended operations due to the unrest.