FIFA ISSUES "FULL CONFIDENCE" VOTE FOR MEXICO HOST CITIES

Despite recent unrest in Jalisco, Gianni Infantino reaffirmed today that Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey remain "fully confirmed" for the June 2026 Kickoff.

SECURITY

KICKOFF USA 2026

2/28/20261 min read

MEXICO CITY — With exactly 104 days remaining until the opening whistle at the Estadio Azteca, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially reaffirmed Mexico’s status as a primary co-host for the 2026 World Cup.

The announcement comes after a turbulent week in the state of Jalisco. Following a major military operation on Sunday, February 22, retaliatory violence broke out in several regions, leading to roadblocks and the temporary postponement of local Liga MX fixtures.

"Total Confidence" in Authorities

Speaking from a press conference late yesterday, Infantino addressed growing concerns from international fans and football federations regarding safety in Guadalajara, which is set to host four crucial group-stage matches.

"We are monitoring the situation in Mexico closely, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Mexican authorities," Infantino stated. "We are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible. The World Cup will be an incredible celebration."

Current Impact on Fans & Travel

While FIFA remains committed to the current schedule, some ripple effects are already being felt:

  • Guadalajara Events: A World Cup diving exhibition scheduled for next week in a Guadalajara suburb was cancelled as a precaution.

  • Team Monitoring: The Portuguese Football Federation and the Colombian Soccer Federation have both confirmed they are "closely monitoring" the situation ahead of their scheduled matches on Mexican soil.

  • Opening Match: There are no plans to move the June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa from Mexico City.

Expert Advice for Travelers

If you have tickets for matches at Akron Stadium (Guadalajara) or Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), officials suggest:

  1. Stay on Official Routes: Use FIFA-sanctioned shuttle services between airports and Fan Festivals.

  2. App Alerts: Ensure your FIFA+ App notifications are turned ON for real-time security geo-alerts.

  3. Local Normalization: President Sheinbaum has assured that "all guarantees" for safety are in place and that tourism infrastructure remains fully operational.