Mexico Vs Iceland friendly still on in Queretaro after cartel leader's killing, coach Aguirre says everyone 'safe'
The mexico vs iceland friendly in Queretaro is set to proceed this Wednesday after Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his federation promised that everyone will be safe, even as the country reels from the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes. The match at Estadio Corregidora faces heightened concern following violent fallout, but organizers expect the game to go ahead.
Mexico Vs Iceland: Coach Aguirre and federation assurances
Javier Aguirre said his federation promised that everyone will be safe at the friendly against Iceland in Queretaro. He described the team as sensitive to the current situation and emphasized that players remain focused on training and the sport. Aguirre conveyed calm about the immediate situation, saying the squad is present, relaxed and concentrating on football, and he framed that as the message he can send to fans as a coach.
Security fallout after the killing of El Mencho
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho" and identified as the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed on Sunday. His death sparked violent reactions across the country, with cartel members blocking roads and burning vehicles in nearly a dozen states. The unrest prompted the postponement of several domestic fixtures: matches involving Queretaro and Juarez FC were delayed, and the Chivas vs. America match in Liga MX Femenil was also postponed.
Match logistics: Estadio Corregidora, sold-out crowd and expected turnout
The friendly is scheduled for Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro and tickets for the game are sold out. Organizers anticipate a crowd of 30, 000-plus inside the stadium. Despite growing doubts about the fixture, the game is expected to go ahead as planned, with authorities and the federation providing assurances about safety measures on match day.
Portugal friendly and federation reactions
Aguirre also expressed a desire to face Portugal soon in an upcoming Mexico City friendly on March 28. The Portuguese federation has posted that it is currently evaluating the situation, leaving that potential fixture under review as Mexican authorities and visiting federations assess security conditions.
FIFA involvement and World Cup preparations
Ahead of the World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer, FIFA has requested reports from Mexico on the country's security situation. FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his total confidence in Mexico's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, stating confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in local authorities. Infantino emphasized that governments, police and authorities exist to ensure order and security and said FIFA is analyzing and monitoring the situation.
The developments around the mexico vs iceland friendly underline how immediate security events can intersect with international fixtures and World Cup-era planning. For now, the match remains slated to be played at Estadio Corregidora with a sold-out crowd, and the message from the national team camp is one of calm and focus even as national authorities continue to evaluate the broader situation.
