Mexican officials convene with FIFA to assess security measures for the World Cup.
MEXICO CITY — Representatives from FIFA convened with Mexican officials on Wednesday to evaluate security measures for the World Cup matches scheduled to take place in Mexico.
Concerns emerged following violent events last week across various Mexican states after a military operation resulted in the capture and death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” who led the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación.
“We assessed the intelligence, preventive measures, and operational strategies that will be put in place during this international event,” Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch stated on his social media platforms.
Mexico, along with the United States and Canada, is jointly hosting the World Cup. Mexico is set to host 13 matches across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The tournament’s opening match — Mexico vs. South Africa — is scheduled for June 11 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. This historic venue will also feature a friendly match between El Tri and Portugal on March 28, marking the preliminary re-opening of the Azteca following nearly two years of renovations.
The expected capacity for the World Cup kickoff on June 11 is 87,000.
Alongside FIFA representatives and García Harfuch, Wednesday’s discussions included members of the Security Cabinet and officials from Mexico City as well as the states of Jalisco and Nuevo León.
Earlier, President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated that due to the collaboration of federal and state forces, security will be assured for all visitors during the tournament.
“Security is assured, and there is adequate monitoring and inspection to guarantee that no issues arise, [ensuring] it will be a wonderful, peaceful World Cup where visitors can enjoy themselves,” Sheinbaum remarked during her daily briefing.
In addition to the World Cup matches in Mexico and the March friendly against Portugal, the cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey will host a six-team inter-confederation playoff to determine two of the final six spots in the World Cup. Jamaica, Iraq, DR Congo, Suriname, New Caledonia, and Bolivia will participate in the playoff.
The Mexican president had a phone conversation last Thursday with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who conveyed his “full confidence” that Mexico will successfully co-host the World Cup, despite the violence that occurred in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and 19 other states, where numerous stores, bank branches, and vehicles were set ablaze and looted, and roads were obstructed.
Jalisco, the central hub of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was the focal point of the violence on February 22 following the capture and death of Oseguera Cervantes in the town of Tapalpa, located in the southern region of the state.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
