Speaking to local media in Barranquilla, Colombia, Infantino said he felt “very calm” about preparations in Mexico and described the tournament as set to be “fantastic.”
He said FIFA is monitoring events and staying in contact with Mexico’s president and authorities.
“I’m not worried. We are looking carefully at what is happening in Mexico. We are in contact with the president, with the authorities. We are convinced everything will go very well,” Infantino said. “It will be a celebration.”
Mexico is one of three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 and will be the first men’s World Cup expanded to 48 teams, up from 32.
Infantino's comments came after violence flared up across large parts of Mexico following the death of powerful cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a military operation.
The unrest affected Guadalajara, in the western state of Jalisco, which is scheduled to host four World Cup matches.
Authorities said suspected cartel members set up roadblocks, torched vehicles, gas stations, shops, and banks, and clashed with security forces in 20 of Mexico’s 32 states.
Police were also searching for a large group of convicted inmates who escaped from a prison in Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico’s government said the military operation and subsequent efforts to restore order involved a major deployment, with about 10,000 soldiers taking part.
It also reported casualties among security forces and suspected cartel members.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was no threat to visiting fans.
Guadalajara and Monterrey are also due to stage March playoff matches that will decide the final two qualifiers for the expanded tournament.
Infantino also rejected speculation that FIFA might expand the World Cup further.
He said FIFA is focused on the 48-team format and on planning for the tournament’s 100th anniversary in 2030.
Mexico’s football federation confirmed that a friendly match against Iceland will go ahead at the Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro, despite the recent security concerns.
Gianni Infantino, head of world football’s governing body FIFA. Photo: PAP/CHRISTIAN BRUNA
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP