MEXICO CITY — FIFA officials are set to visit Mexico in the near future to evaluate security and transportation matters ahead of the World Cup, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s announcement on Friday.
This scrutiny comes in light of recent violence, which flared up following the army’s killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday.
The operation and subsequent violence have resulted in 70 deaths, as cartel members set vehicles ablaze to obstruct roads in various states, notably in Jalisco, where Guadalajara is slated to host four World Cup matches.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed “full confidence” in Mexico’s capability to host the World Cup during a phone call with Sheinbaum on Thursday.
Sheinbaum reinforced this sentiment during her daily briefing on Friday.
“He confirmed that the World Cup will take place in our country,” she stated. “We agreed on the necessity for a FIFA team to come and assess various matters. We’ve been preparing for this for a long time, and security is of utmost importance.”
Sheinbaum did not specify when FIFA representatives would arrive.
“I assured him [Infantino] that Sunday was an isolated incident, and we are returning to normalcy, fortified by existing safety measures,” she added.
Notwithstanding Sheinbaum’s assurances, security issues persist in Guadalajara, as evidenced by the cancellation of a Diving World Cup event slated for next week in the area.
She mentioned that the government’s sports authority, CONADE, is attempting to persuade World Aquatics to relocate the competition to another city in Mexico.
“We are working with them to reinstate this international tournament,” Sheinbaum said. “We remain optimistic about bringing this event back.”
Concerning transportation, the three cities in Mexico hosting World Cup matches are still addressing challenges less than 100 days prior to the tournament kickoff on June 11 at Azteca Stadium.
In Mexico City, efforts are being made to upgrade a light rail line that provides the fastest route to Azteca. In Monterrey, the subway system is still under construction. Meanwhile, the Guadalajara stadium currently lacks sufficient public transport, though it features a large parking area.
“[Infantino] also requested that I assess traffic conditions in the three cities to ensure smooth mobility for all attendees at the stadiums, among other issues we are addressing,” Sheinbaum noted.