FIFA President Gianni Infantino conveyed his calm and confidence regarding Mexico's role in co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada, despite a recent upsurge in violence. The country has faced a wave of unrest following the military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," who was a prominent leader of the Jalisco cartel. This violence led to numerous deaths, vehicle fires, and widespread business closures, creating an environment of fear that affected many areas on the day after Oseguera's death.

Less than four months before the World Cup begins, Infantino spoke at an event in Barranquilla organized by the Colombian Football Federation, where he assured that everything regarding the tournament is going well and anticipated a fantastic event. He expressed his full trust in Mexico and its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasizing that he maintains regular communication with local authorities regarding safety and preparations for the upcoming matches.

Infantino’s reassurance comes at a critical time, as concerns about safety could influence fan attendance and overall preparations for the World Cup. His optimistic outlook suggests that FIFA believes in Mexico's ability to manage current security challenges, highlighting both the complexities of hosting international events in regions facing violence and FIFA's commitment to ensuring a successful tournament despite external pressures.