World Cup latest: Infantino confident in Mexico staging matches despite violence

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in Mexico's ability to successfully host World Cup 2026 matches despite ongoing security challenges in the country during a press conference on Wednesday 25 February 2026, reaffirming Mexico's crucial role in the joint North American tournament with the United States and Canada. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held across 16 cities in three nations, represents the first time the tournament will be hosted by multiple countries, with Mexico slated to host 10 matches, including key fixtures at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Infantino's comments come amid increasing concerns about safety in Mexico, where drug-related violence and security issues have been persistent problems in recent years, potentially impacting the experience for international visitors. Despite these challenges, the FIFA leadership emphasized the rigorous security planning underway for the tournament, highlighting the collaboration between FIFA, local organizers, and government security forces to ensure a safe environment for all participants. The World Cup represents a significant economic opportunity for Mexico, with projections suggesting the tournament could generate over $1 billion in revenue and attract approximately 1.5 million tourists to the region during the event, despite the security concerns that have prompted some international observers to question the wisdom of hosting matches in certain areas.