FIFA’s Infantino highlights World Cup ‘achievement’ during visit to Mexico
MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum convened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday to review the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada in June and July.
Sheinbaum shared on her social media that she had breakfast with Infantino at the National Palace “to evaluate all aspects for the upcoming World Cup,” adding that “everything is going to be fantastic.”
The tournament is set to commence on June 11 at the renowned Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, featuring a match between the host nation and South Africa.
A friendly match between Mexico and Portugal took place at the Mexico City stadium last Saturday as part of the World Cup preparations. The event was overshadowed by the tragic death of a fan who fell from the second tier to the ground floor in the VIP box area.
“This inauguration is going to be historic, exceptional,” stated Sheinbaum while displaying a FIFA pennant alongside Infantino.
The FIFA president mirrored Sheinbaum’s enthusiasm, confirming that the World Cup will be “a success for Mexico.”
Infantino has been in Mexico since last week, where he attended two inter-confederation playoff matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey. He was also present in Mexico City over the weekend for events with the Mexican Football Federation.
The final two matches of the inter-confederation playoffs are scheduled in Mexico on Tuesday, featuring Congo DR against Jamaica and Iraq facing Bolivia to determine two of the last six spots available for the World Cup.
Concerns have emerged following the violent incidents that transpired on February 22 in various Mexican cities after the capture and death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” who led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in southern Jalisco state.
Among the cities affected by the surge of violence was Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, which will serve as one of the three Mexican host cities for the World Cup, alongside Mexico City and Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo LeΓ³n state.
Mexico is set to host 13 matches during the World Cup.
In early March, Mexican authorities unveiled their security strategy for the World Cup, named “Plan KukulkΓ‘n,” which will involve approximately 100,000 military and police personnel, both federal and local.
The plan encompasses specialized training for officials, planning and operational drills, early warning systems, and security protocols around stadiums, airports, roads, and hotels.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
