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Last Sunday, the Mexican army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
“El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CNGJ)
sparking several days of violence. Cartel members burned cars
and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states.
“I had an excellent conversation earlier today with Mexico
president, Claudia Sheinbaum,” Infantino said. “I reiterated our
full confidence in the host country and look forward to it
staging all scheduled matches there at what will be the most
inclusive and the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”
Mexico is set to host 13 World Cup matches, four of them in the
western city of Guadalajara, in the Jalisco state, the central
hub for the Jalisco cartel.
“I spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino; we
continue working as usual to successfully host the 2026 FIFA
World Cup,” Sheinbaum posted on X. “We reaffirm our confidence
in the country."
Sheinbaum has vowed this week there was “no risk” for visitors,
but on Thursday the World Cup diving event set to be held in a
Guadalajara suburb next week was canceled over security
concerns.
Earlier in the week the Portuguese soccer federation said it was
“closely monitoring the delicate situation” ahead of a friendly
match against Mexico’s national team in Mexico City.
Infantino said earlier this week in Colombia that he was
convinced that "everything will go as smoothly as possible.”
Besides the four World Cup matches, the western city of
Guadalajara is scheduled to host an international playoff in
late March. New Caledonia will play Jamaica and the winner will
face Congo for a spot in the tournament.
The president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Michael
Ricketts, said this week that his organization is closely
monitoring the situation in Mexico ahead of the Reggae Boyz’
scheduled international matches next month.
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