The 2026 World Cup will be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The world football governing body FIFA has reportedly commented on whether matches of the 2026 World Cup could be relocated.
This summer the 2026 World Cup will take place in three countries — Mexico, Canada and the United States. The opening match of the tournament will be played between Mexico and South Africa and is scheduled at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Ahead of the tournament, concerns have emerged due to ongoing gang-related violence, especially following recent events in Mexico, reports N1 info.
On Sunday it was announced that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), “El Mencho” — real name Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — was killed in a security operation.
After his death, riots broke out across the country, and cartel-related incidents were recorded in cities such as Guadalajara and Aguascalientes.
Since matches will also be played in Guadalajara, FIFA Mexico said their goal is to preserve public safety.
According to The Athletic, a spokesperson stated:
“At FIFA Mexico we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and are in constant communication with the competent authorities.
We will continue to follow the measures and instructions of various state agencies aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normal conditions, and we reiterate our close cooperation with federal, state and local authorities.”
Due to security concerns, the question has arisen whether FIFA will relocate certain matches. According to The Athletic, a source within FIFA said the organization would consider moving matches only as a last resort.
It is also stated that such a decision would be considered only if or after significant concerns are raised by security services as well as commercial partners.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “Safety and security remain the absolute priority, and FIFA has full confidence in all three host countries.”
Foto: Wikimedia
