FIFA’s Infantino has ‘complete confidence’ in Mexico to host World Cup games despite cartel violence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed "complete confidence" in Mexico's ability to host World Cup games despite cartel violence. The violence erupted after the death of a powerful drug lord, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The story so far
- Feb 25
- Feb 26
How outlets cover it
3 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has “complete confidence” in Mexico’s ability to host World Cup matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he was “very reassured” about Mexico’s hosting of the 2026 World Cup.
Violence in Culiacán had never been so bad or gone on for so long.
At least 70 people have died due to cartel violence.
Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a cartel leader, is now in prison in the US.
One of Mexico's most powerful cartels unleashed violence across 20 states after the reported death of "El Mencho".
Mexico is scheduled to host World Cup matches.
Violence erupted in Mexico after the death of a drug lord.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Dec 4, 2025 – Dec 10, 2025 earlierFIFA’s Gianni Infantino faces ethics complaint over Trump peace prize6 articles · 3 outlets
- Feb 25 – Feb 26◆ This story
- Mar 2 – Mar 13 laterIran team hit back at Trump over FIFA World Cup exclusion threat8 articles · 4 outlets
- May 25 laterMexico’s president sees ‘no issue’ with her country hosting Iran’s Fifa World Cup team4 articles · 3 outlets
- Jul 3 – Jul 5 laterMexico-England World Cup round of 16 match delayed by 1 hour because of thunderstorm4 articles · 2 outlets
- Jul 12 – Jul 13 laterWill the 2030 World Cup expand to 64 teams? What FIFA’s Infantino says3 articles · 2 outlets
- Jul 28 – Aug 9 laterFIFA decries ‘concerted’ effort to undermine Infantino as crisis deepens52 articles · 5 outlets
- Aug 18 later
- Sep 6 later