FIFA Break Silence on Possible Venue Changes for 2026 World Cup
- FIFA say 2026 World Cup matches would only be relocated as a last resort despite security concerns in Mexico
- The tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States, with the opener set for the Estadio Azteca
- Unrest followed reports of the death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, prompting FIFA Mexico to stress ongoing coordination with authorities to ensure public safety
World football’s governing body, FIFA, has reportedly addressed speculation over whether any matches at the 2026 World Cup could be moved amid growing security concerns.
The 2026 tournament is set to be staged across three host nations - Mexico, Canada and the United States - marking the first time the competition will be jointly hosted by three countries.
Source: Getty Images
The opening fixture will see Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
However, as preparations continue, concerns have intensified following recent gang-related violence in Mexico.
Reports on Sunday claimed that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known as ‘El Mencho’ - formerly Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - was killed during a major security operation.
In the aftermath of his reported death, unrest broke out in several areas, with cartel-linked incidents flaring up in cities including Guadalajara and Aguascalientes.
With World Cup matches scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, questions have been raised about public safety and whether fixtures could be relocated if instability continues.
In response, FIFA Mexico has insisted it is closely monitoring the situation. According to The Athletic, a spokesperson said the organisation remains in constant communication with authorities in Jalisco and will continue to follow guidance from government agencies to help maintain public safety and restore normalcy.
They also reiterated ongoing collaboration with federal, state and local officials.
Source: Getty Images
2026 World Cup matches to be relocated?
The possibility of relocating matches has inevitably been discussed. However, The Athletic reports that a source within FIFA indicated that moving World Cup games would only be considered as an absolute last resort.
Any such decision would reportedly depend on significant concerns being formally raised by safety and security officials, as well as commercial partners.
Now, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has released his own statement, confirming that he is 'not worried' about the gang-related violence in Mexico and that he has 'full confidence' in the matches going ahead as planned.
"No, not worried," he told Diario AS. "We are looking very carefully at what is happening in Mexico.
"We are in contact with the presidency, with the authorities, and we have full confidence that everything will go very well: the playoff and then the World Cup. It will be a celebration."
In a separate answer about keeping politics separate from football, Infantino said:
"It is possible, it has to be possible.
"We don't do politics, we do football and we support everything good that football can do - unite countries, unite the world, help children, help peace - and clearly we have to have contacts and interactions with the leaders of this world and try to do something for the youth."
Meanwhile, Ghana are scheduled to open their 2026 campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, Toronto, Canada.
Gianni Infantino accused of breaching FIFA rules
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing sharp criticism after allegedly breaching the organisation’s strict ethical rules during a recent appearance with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The controversy stems from Infantino’s attendance at Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Trump was controversially awarded FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize during the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, and has cultivated a close relationship with the U.S. leader.
Source: YEN.com.gh
