• FIFA President Gianni Infantino expresses confidence in Mexico's safety for the World Cup 2026.
• Violence erupted following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.
• Mexican officials assure that there is "no risk" to World Cup fans amidst recent unrest.
• Guadalajara, one of the host cities, is scheduled to host four matches.
• Local leaders maintain that security measures will ensure a successful tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has voiced strong confidence in Mexico’s capability to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, despite recent wave of violence attributed to drug cartel conflicts. The tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Infantino reassured stakeholders, stating he was "very reassured" and described the event as being "spectacular," reflecting optimism in the face of unrest in Guadalajara, a key host city, following the military's operation that led to the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. Reports indicate that clashes linked to this incident resulted in at least 74 fatalities, primarily among suspected gang members, prompting widespread panic and fear during the chaos, particularly in Guadalajara and other affected regions, according to India Times, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.

Infantino’s positive outlook contrasts with the apprehensions expressed by some football associations regarding player safety. For instance, the Portuguese Football Federation has stated that it is "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico" and that participant safety remains a top priority. Nonetheless, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and local officials have consistently asserted that there is "no risk" to World Cup fans and that life is gradually returning to normal despite the violence. The government has emphasized robust security preparations to ensure the safety of international visitors during the event, as reported by India Times, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is scheduled to host four matches during the tournament, with additional games planned for Mexico City and Monterrey, both of which have been largely unaffected by the recent unrest. Local leaders, including Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus, have firmly ruled out any possibility of the city losing its hosting rights due to security concerns and declared that there is "absolutely no risk" of changing the tournament lineup. With crucial matches approaching, including one featuring Uruguay against Spain and playoff qualifications occurring at the end of March, awareness and vigilance continue to be crucial for local and international stakeholders involved in the World Cup planning process, according to India Times, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.