Mexico Vs Iceland friendly to go ahead in Queretaro after cartel leader's killing
The mexico vs iceland friendly in Queretaro is scheduled to go ahead this Wednesday, with coach Javier Aguirre saying the federation has promised that everyone will be safe. The match matters now as security concerns surged after the killing of a powerful cartel leader and subsequent unrest that has disrupted other domestic fixtures.
Coach Javier Aguirre cites FMF assurances before match at Estadio Corregidora
Javier Aguirre said he had been told by the FMF [Mexico Football Federation] that "everyone will be safe" before the friendly at the Estadio Corregidora. Aguirre added, "We're sensitive to the current situation, " and reiterated the federation's assurance in remarks given ahead of the game.
Killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho, " sparked postponements and unrest
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho" and the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed on Sunday. His death prompted a backlash that led to the postponement of Queretaro vs. Juarez FC and the Chivas vs. America match in Liga MX Femenil. Following the killing, cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in nearly a dozen states across Mexico.
Despite doubts, organizers expect the game to go as planned; tickets sold out for a 30, 000-plus crowd
Despite growing doubts about the fixture, the game was expected to go ahead as planned. Tickets for Wednesday's match are sold out and a crowd of 30, 000-plus was expected inside the Estadio Corregidora. Aguirre sought to deflect alarm, saying, "We're here. We're very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about sports. "
Portugal friendly on March 28 being evaluated as federations closely monitor the situation
Aguirre said he hopes to face Portugal soon in a Mexico City friendly on March 28, while the Portuguese federation posted that it is currently evaluating the situation and said it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico. "
FIFA monitoring and Gianni Infantino expresses confidence ahead of 2026 World Cup
FIFA has requested reports from Mexico on its security situation ahead of the World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer. On Tuesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his "total confidence" in Mexico's preparations for the 2026 World Cup and said local authorities are fully prepared to maintain order and security for the tournament. Speaking from Barranquilla, Colombia, during 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 that "Mexico is a great soccer country" and that governments, police, and authorities are in place to ensure order and security.
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