Mexico Soccer: Aguirre says fans, players will be safe as Iceland friendly goes ahead in Querétaro
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said the federation has assured him that everyone will be safe at the friendly against Iceland in Querétaro this Wednesday, a match that will go ahead despite widespread violence that erupted after the killing of a top cartel leader.
Coach stresses calm as sold‑out match approaches
Aguirre spoke before the match at Estadio Corregidora and said, "We're sensitive to the current situation, " adding that "the people at the FMF have assured me that everyone will be safe. " He later told fans, "We're here. We're very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about sports. That's the message I can send to the fans as a football coach. " Tickets are sold out and organizers expect a crowd of more than 30, 000 inside the stadium.
Violence followed the killing of "El Mencho"
On Sunday, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho" and the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed. The death set off a backlash that led to the postponement of the Querétaro Liga MX match and a Juarez FC game, and it prompted the cancellation of the Chivas vs. América fixture in Liga MX Femenil. Following the leader's death, cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in nearly a dozen states; shelter‑in‑place orders and the cancellation of public events were issued in several states.
Mexico Soccer: league postponements and security questions
Violence across broad swaths of the country forced the cancellation of four soccer matches and generated online rumors, many of which were described as unreliable or unconfirmed. The worst unrest occurred in and around Guadalajara, one of three Mexican host cities for next summer's World Cup, raising questions about hosting duties. Liga MX canceled a Sunday afternoon match, Ascenso MX postponed two matches, and Liga MX Femenil postponed the América‑Chivas derby at the Guadalajara stadium where four World Cup matches are slated. A Liga MX Femenil match in Aguascalientes — 223 kilometers (138 miles) northeast of Guadalajara — was suspended for a few minutes when "detonations" were heard near the stadium. The cancellation of a Liga MX contest in Querétaro, about 350 kilometers (217 miles) southeast of Guadalajara, drew particular attention because the national team is scheduled to face Iceland at the same venue on Wednesday night.
Authorities clear the game with enhanced protection
The Mexico Football Federation (FMF) insisted the match would take place and considered logistical options, including playing behind closed doors. An FMF source told Record that the safety of those attending was the main concern. After consulting with the state Security Cabinet on Monday night, local authorities agreed to allow the game to proceed with enhanced security provided by federal, state and local agencies, and Querétaro officials met with the FMF on Tuesday to finalize details.
The Iceland squad arrived in Querétaro on Saturday night, and team officials have not publicly opposed playing. Mexico's players, all from Liga MX clubs, assembled in Mexico City on Sunday before traveling to Querétaro for Monday and Tuesday training sessions.
World Cup implications and international reactions
Sources told Mexico that FIFA has requested reports from Mexico on the security situation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer. also said the game would still go as planned despite growing doubts. On Tuesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, speaking from Barranquilla, Colombia, during the inauguration of the Colombian Football Federation's hotel, reaffirmed his "total confidence in Mexico's preparations" and said local authorities were fully prepared to maintain order and security. Infantino said, "We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico during these days, but I want to say from the start that we have total confidence in Mexico, in its president, [Claudia] Sheinbaum, and in the authorities. We are convinced that everything will proceed in the best way possible, " and added that "Mexico is a great soccer country" and that governments, police and authorities will ensure order and security.
The Portuguese federation posted on Tuesday that it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico" as Mexico coach Aguirre said he hopes to face Portugal soon in a Mexico City friendly on March 28; the Portuguese federation said it was evaluating the situation.
FIFA will be watching the security operation and developments across the country in the coming days, and for now officials say the Querétaro friendly will proceed as scheduled.
