FIFA addresses fears of Mexico hosting World Cup following cartel violence and unrest

FIFA has addressed concern about the World Cup being hosted in Mexico following a spate of violence related to cartels in the country.

The 2026 FIFA world cup will be hosted across three countries, with most of the games being hosted in the US, as well as some in Canada, and some in Mexico.

Mexico has recently seen unrest after cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho', was killed by the Mexican army.

Following the death of Cervantes, cartels have responded with a wave of attacks and violence across the country.

This has led to the cancellation of some football games by the Mexican Football Federation, and has led to concerns about security for the FIFA World Cup.

Now, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said that the association has 'complete confidence' that Mexico can host the competition.

Infantino has sought to reassure people about the World Cup (David SALAZAR/AFP via Getty Images)

"Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days," said Infantino. "But I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible."

Infantino has also reassured supporters hoping to visit the country to watch the matches.

"We have some matches in Mexico in a month, the World Cup playoffs, and the new Azteca Stadium will also be inaugurated," he said.

"Mexico is a great football country. Like in every country in the world, things happen; we don't live on the moon or another planet. That's why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security."

President of the Colombian Soccer Federation Ramón Jesurún said: "Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward.

The FIFA World Cup will be held in Mexico, the US, and Canada (JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

"I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome, and overcome very quickly."

Infantino added: "We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation.

"The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration."

Mexico is not the only host country which has had concerns about the safety of people travelling to watch the matches.

The Trump administration's ongoing ICE crackdowns, including the detention of people in the USA on valid visas, has led to concern about fans being put off wanting to visit the US due to fears of ICE.