One of the entrances to the Akron Stadium as four soccer games in Mexico were postponed after violence flared near Guadalajara in the wake of a military operation that left cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera dead, with FIFA monitoring the situation in the host city for the 2026 World Cup, in Zapopan, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico
| Photo Credit: Reuters
FIFA representatives will visit Mexico soon to assess security and mobility issues for the World Cup, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said.
The country’s ability to co-host the World Cup has been under scrutiny this week following the violence that erupted after the army killed powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes last Sunday (February 22, 2026).
The operation and its violent repercussions claimed the lives of 70 people. Cartel members set cars on fire to block streets in States across the country, particularly in cities in Jalisco state, among them Guadalajara, which is scheduled to host four World Cup matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told Sheinbaum in a phone call on Thursday that he has “full confidence” in Mexico as a World Cup host.
Former Argentina player Roberto Ayala, former Mexico player Hugo Sanchez, president of Coca Cola Mexico Louis Balat and Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente next to the FIFA World Cup trophy at the unveiling in Mexico, on February 27, 2026
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
Ms. Sheinbaum backed that up on Friday in her daily briefing.
“He assured me that the World Cup would be held in our country,” she said. “We agreed that a FIFA team would definitely come to review several issues. We’ve been working on this for a long time but the issue of security is particularly important, of course.” Ms. Sheinbaum did not provide dates of the visit.
“I told him (Mr. Infantino) that Sunday was a special situation and that we have returned to normal, with all the safety measures that have been in place for some time now, so they can rest assured,” she said.
Security concerns for Guadalajara
Even though Ms. Sheinbaum said things were going back to normal, security concerns for Guadalajara remained. World Aquatics canceled a Diving World Cup scheduled for next week near Guadalajara.
Ms. Sheinbaum said the government sports authority CONADE was trying to convince World Aquatics to move the meet to another city in Mexico.
File picture of U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney during the draw for the FIFA World Cup
| Photo Credit:
via Reuters
“We’re working with them to try and get this international tournament back,” the president added. “We still have faith that we can get this tournament back.” In regard to mobility, the three cities in Mexico hosting World Cup matches were still trying to resolve issues almost 100 days before the first match on June 11 at Azteca Stadium.
In Mexico City, work was ongoing to improve a light rail line that was the fastest way to head toward Azteca. In Monterrey, the subway train was still being built. The Guadalajara stadium lacks public transportation although it boasts a large open parking lot.
“(Infantino) also asked me to look at the issue of traffic in the three cities in order to guarantee the mobility of all those who will be attending the stadiums and so on, among other issues that we are working on,” Ms. Sheinbaum said.
Published – February 28, 2026 11:55 am IST
