Infantino has 'complete confidence’ in Mexico hosting FIFA World Cup amid cartel violence

The violence in Mexico following the death of a powerful drug lord has raised concerns about whether the country can safely co-host the World Cup in just over three months. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, believes it is possible."Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, 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 said late on Tuesday in a press conference in Colombia.

"Mexico is a great country, like in every country in the world, things happen; we don't live on the moon or another planet," Infantino added."That's why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security."The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday. His death sparked several days of violence.Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads across nearly a dozen states, and authorities report at least 70 people have died. Four top local soccer matches were postponed last Sunday, including one in Queretaro, where Mexico beat Iceland 4‑0 in a friendly on Wednesday.

A minute of silence was held for soldiers who died in the operation.Mexico will host 13 World Cup matches, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11 against South Africa. Guadalajara, the cartel’s central hub, will host four matches. Colombia will play one match in Mexico City and one in Guadalajara."Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward," said Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Soccer Federation."I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome and overcome very quickly."Other countries are more worried. The Portuguese Soccer Federation said on Tuesday that it is closely watching the situation before a friendly match against Mexico in March. Jamaica will play New Caledonia in Guadalajara on March 26 in an intercontinental playoff semifinal, with the winner facing Congo for a spot in the World Cup."The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest," said Michael Ricketts, the president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation."We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions (on) whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options."Another Mexican city, Monterrey, will host a playoff where Bolivia plays Suriname and the winner faces Iraq for a spot in the tournament.On Monday, Sheinbaum said there is "every guarantee" that the World Cup matches in Guadalajara will be played as planned and added that there was "no risk.""We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation," Infantino said."The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration."