Mexico Vs Iceland Friendly to Proceed in Queretaro After Cartel Leader's Killing, Coach Says
Mexico will host the mexico vs iceland friendly at Estadio Corregidora on Wednesday as organizers maintain the match will go ahead despite nationwide unrest following the killing of a cartel leader. The decision matters because it tests security assurances ahead of the 2026 World Cup preparations and follows the postponement of several domestic fixtures.
Mexico Vs Iceland at Estadio Corregidora
The friendly in Querétaro is sold out, with a crowd of 30, 000-plus expected inside Estadio Corregidora. Organizers confirmed on Monday that the game would still go as planned on Wednesday, and stadium officials are preparing to host the full attendance despite the recent security disturbances that have affected multiple states.
Javier Aguirre on Safety and Team Mood
Head coach Javier Aguirre said the Mexico Football Federation (FMF) has assured him that everyone will be safe and emphasized the squad's focus on the match. "We're sensitive to the current situation, " Aguirre said ahead of the game at Estadio Corregidora. He added: "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. "
Death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes and Domestic Fallout
On Sunday, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho" and the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed. The killing prompted a backlash in the country: cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in nearly a dozen states, and organizers postponed domestic matches, including fixtures involving Querétaro and Juárez FC as well as the Chivas vs. América match in Liga MX Femenil.
Portugal Friendly on March 28 and Portuguese Federation Response
Aguirre also expressed hope of facing Portugal soon in a Mexico City friendly on March 28, but the Portuguese federation posted on Tuesday that it is currently evaluating the situation. The federation said it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico, " signaling that the international calendar remains contingent on evolving security assessments.
FIFA, Gianni Infantino and World Cup Preparations
With the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer, FIFA has requested reports from Mexico on its security situation as part of broader monitoring. On Tuesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his total confidence in Mexico's preparations, saying local authorities are prepared to maintain order and security for the tournament. Speaking from Barranquilla, Colombia, at the inauguration of the Colombian Football Federation's hotel, 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. " He added: "Mexico is a great soccer country. Just like in every country in the world, things happen; we don't live on the moon or another planet. Things happen, and that is why we have governments, police, and authorities who are going to ensure order and security. "
What makes this notable is the convergence of immediate security concerns with high-stakes international fixtures: the death of El Mencho triggered roadblocks and arson in nearly a dozen states, which in turn forced postponements of domestic matches and raised fresh questions about international teams coming to Mexico. The FMF's assurance and the presence of a sold-out crowd of 30, 000-plus set the stage for a closely watched evening in Querétaro as mexico vs iceland proceeds under intensified scrutiny.
