Mexico Vs Iceland match kept on schedule as coach says fans 'safe' amid cartel unrest
Mexico's friendly against Iceland in Queretaro remains scheduled despite violent backlash after the killing of a cartel leader. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his federation had assured him everyone would be safe for the mexico vs iceland game at the Estadio Corregidora this Wednesday, even as authorities manage unrest across the country.
Mexico Vs Iceland set for Estadio Corregidora; Aguirre stresses calm and safety
Javier Aguirre said the Mexico Football Federation, identified as the FMF, has assured him that "everyone will be safe" for the friendly against Iceland in Queretaro at the Estadio Corregidora. Aguirre added, "We're sensitive to the current situation, " and later said, "We're here. We're very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about sports, " calling that his message to fans as a football coach.
Tickets for the Wednesday match are sold out, with a crowd of 30, 000-plus expected inside the stadium, underscoring the scale of the event even as security concerns continue to simmer.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ('El Mencho') killed; nationwide unrest followed
On Sunday Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho" and described as the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed. That killing prompted a backlash that included cartel members blocking roads and burning vehicles in nearly a dozen states across Mexico.
The unrest prompted postponements in domestic football: matches involving Queretaro and Juarez FC were delayed, and the Chivas vs. America fixture in Liga MX Femenil was also postponed, reflecting the disruption in multiple competitions.
Organizers say the game will still go ahead; Aguirre eyes Portugal friendly on March 28
On Monday it was said the mexico vs iceland friendly would still go ahead as planned despite earlier doubts. Aguirre also expressed a hope to face Portugal soon, naming a Mexico City friendly on March 28, though the Portuguese federation posted Tuesday that it is currently evaluating the situation.
The Portuguese federation added that it is "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico, " signaling ongoing caution from visiting federations about arranging matches.
FIFA and Gianni Infantino: requests for reports and public confidence
Ahead of the World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer, it was said that FIFA has requested reports from Mexico on the country's security situation. On Tuesday FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his total confidence in Mexico's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, saying local authorities are fully prepared to maintain order and security for the tournament.
Infantino made his remarks from Barranquilla, Colombia, during the inauguration of the Colombian Football Federation's hotel. He 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 authorities will ensure order and security.
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