One of many entrances to the Akron Stadium as 4 soccer video games in Mexico had been postponed after violence flared close to Guadalajara within the wake of a army operation that left cartel chief Nemesio Oseguera useless, with FIFA monitoring the scenario within the host metropolis for the 2026 World Cup, in Zapopan, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico
| Picture Credit score: Reuters
FIFA representatives will go to Mexico quickly to evaluate safety and mobility points for the World Cup, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated.
The nation’s capability to co-host the World Cup has been below scrutiny this week following the violence that erupted after the military killed highly effective drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes final Sunday (February 22, 2026).
The operation and its violent repercussions claimed the lives of 70 folks. Cartel members set automobiles on hearth to dam streets in States throughout the nation, significantly in cities in Jalisco state, amongst them Guadalajara, which is scheduled to host 4 World Cup matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed Sheinbaum in a telephone name on Thursday that he has “full confidence” in Mexico as a World Cup host.
Former Argentina participant Roberto Ayala, former Mexico participant Hugo Sanchez, president of Coca Cola Mexico Louis Balat and Mexico’s Overseas Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente subsequent to the FIFA World Cup trophy on the unveiling in Mexico, on February 27, 2026
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Reuters
Ms. Sheinbaum backed that up on Friday in her each day briefing.
“He assured me that the World Cup can be held in our nation,” she stated. “We agreed {that a} FIFA group would positively come to evaluation a number of points. We have been engaged on this for a very long time however the challenge of safety is especially vital, after all.” Ms. Sheinbaum didn’t present dates of the go to.
“I informed him (Mr. Infantino) that Sunday was a particular scenario and that we now have returned to regular, with all the protection measures which were in place for a while now, to allow them to relaxation assured,” she stated.
Safety considerations for Guadalajara
Though Ms. Sheinbaum stated issues had been going again to regular, safety considerations for Guadalajara remained. World Aquatics canceled a Diving World Cup scheduled for subsequent week close to Guadalajara.
Ms. Sheinbaum stated the federal government sports activities authority CONADE was making an attempt to persuade World Aquatics to maneuver the meet to a different metropolis in Mexico.
File image of U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in the course of the draw for the FIFA World Cup
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by way of Reuters
“We’re working with them to attempt to get this worldwide event again,” the president added. “We nonetheless have religion that we will get this event again.” In regard to mobility, the three cities in Mexico internet hosting World Cup matches had been nonetheless making an attempt to resolve points nearly 100 days earlier than the primary match on June 11 at Azteca Stadium.
In Mexico Metropolis, work was ongoing to enhance a light-weight rail line that was the quickest option to head towards Azteca. In Monterrey, the subway practice was nonetheless being constructed. The Guadalajara stadium lacks public transportation though it boasts a big open parking zone.
“(Infantino) additionally requested me to have a look at the difficulty of site visitors within the three cities as a way to assure the mobility of all those that shall be attending the stadiums and so forth, amongst different points that we’re engaged on,” Ms. Sheinbaum stated.
Revealed – February 28, 2026 11:55 am IST