FIFA Confirms 13 Mexico World Cup Games Despite Jalisco State of Emergency

FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintains absolute confidence in President Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico prepares to host 13 World Cup matches this summer.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Tuesday in Barranquilla, Colombia, that Mexico will proceed as a co-host for 13 World Cup matches this summer across Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. The international governing body maintains absolute confidence in the nation's security infrastructure despite the Mexican army’s targeted killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho.' This military operation triggered widespread violence across several states, leading to the postponement of the Liga MX fixture between Queretaro and Juarez FC originally scheduled for Sunday. However, the international friendly against Iceland in Queretaro remains on the calendar for Wednesday, with coach Javier Aguirre confirming all players and staff are currently safe.

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, entered a state of emergency on Sunday following the surge in regional instability. Governor Pablo Lemus met with football officials on Monday to clarify that the city’s hosting status is not in jeopardy despite the heightened security protocols. The Estadio Akron in Jalisco is designated to host four World Cup games in June, in addition to a World Cup qualifying playoff match taking place next month. President Claudia Sheinbaum has officially insisted there are no risks for fans attending the tournament, a sentiment echoed by Infantino during his address in Colombia. The FIFA President noted that the organization is in regular contact with the Mexican Presidency to monitor ongoing developments while ensuring that the inauguration of the new Azteca Stadium proceeds as planned.

The wave of violence across multiple Mexican states has created a bifurcated reality for the sport, where local league games face disruption while international commitments persist. While the Queretaro vs. Juarez FC match was halted, the logistics for the Iceland friendly have not been altered. Infantino emphasized that FIFA is analyzing the situation at this moment but remains convinced that the tournament will be an incredible celebration. He acknowledged that while things happen in every country, the reliance on police and government authorities is paramount to maintaining order for the upcoming playoffs and the summer tournament.

Host cities recently voiced security concerns to Congress, yet the official stance from FIFA remains one of absolute confidence in Sheinbaum’s administration. Mexico is co-hosting the event alongside Canada and the United States, with a specific focus on the three designated Mexican hubs. The Governor of Jalisco reiterated that the safety of the World Cup host status was a primary topic of discussion during recent high-level meetings. As the country prepares for the World Cup qualifying playoff in one month, the focus remains on the transition from the current state of emergency to the operational requirements of a global sporting event. FIFA continues to monitor the situation daily to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators during the 13-match slate scheduled for the summer months.

Specific logistical arrangements for the four matches at Estadio Akron involve coordination between state police and federal forces to secure the perimeter. The Mexican Football Federation is currently working to reschedule the postponed domestic league match without infringing upon the international break window. Javier Aguirre’s squad continues training sessions under guarded conditions to prepare for the Wednesday kickoff against Iceland. This friendly serves as a critical test for Queretaro’s ability to manage high-profile events during periods of civil unrest. Security experts are evaluating the transport corridors between Mexico City and Guadalajara to ensure team buses have protected passage.

Gianni Infantino’s statement in Barranquilla served to quell rumors of a potential venue shift to the United States or Canada. The 13 matches allocated to Mexico represent a significant portion of the expanded tournament format, necessitating three fully operational metropolitan hubs. Monterrey’s hosting duties remain unaffected by the specific events in Jalisco, though federal security presence has increased at all major ports of entry. The Mexican government has deployed additional National Guard units to the regions surrounding the designated stadiums to provide a visible deterrent against further cartel retaliation. These units are tasked with patrolling the fan zones and hotel districts where international delegations will reside.

The upcoming qualifying playoff match next month acts as a dress rehearsal for the summer’s main event, testing the integration of FIFA’s private security with local law enforcement. Governor Lemus highlighted that the state of emergency allows for faster allocation of resources to protect public infrastructure, including the Estadio Akron. Meanwhile, the renovation of the Azteca Stadium continues on schedule, with the historic venue set to host the opening ceremonies. FIFA’s technical team is expected to conduct a site visit within the next fortnight to inspect the progress of the security installations and hospitality suites. This visit will coincide with a secondary meeting between Infantino’s representatives and the Mexican Ministry of Security.

Despite the domestic league's temporary pause, the commercial operations surrounding the 13 World Cup games are moving forward with ticket sales and sponsorship activations. The Mexican Football Federation has assured FIFA that the internal league disruptions are a precautionary measure to avoid straining local police forces during the immediate aftermath of the military operation. Coach Aguirre has requested that the focus remain on the pitch, noting that the players are professionals accustomed to various external pressures. The Iceland national team arrived in Queretaro without incident, further supporting the government's claim that international visitors are not targets of the current violence. This distinction remains vital for the tourism projections associated with the summer tournament.

Final preparations for the Wednesday friendly include a double-ring security perimeter around the stadium in Queretaro. This protocol will likely serve as the blueprint for the 13 World Cup matches if regional tensions do not subside by June. FIFA officials are prioritizing the safety of the 48 participating teams, with specialized security details assigned to each squad. The collaboration between the three host nations includes intelligence sharing regarding potential threats to the tournament’s integrity. As the state of emergency in Jalisco continues, the local organizing committee is drafting contingency transport plans for fans traveling between Guadalajara and Mexico City. These measures aim to guarantee that the 13-match schedule remains intact regardless of the domestic security climate.