Mexico Vs Iceland friendly to go ahead as coach says everyone 'safe' amid cartel violence
mexico vs iceland in Querétaro will go ahead this Wednesday, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said, after the federation promised everyone would be safe following unrest that erupted after the killing of a powerful cartel leader.
Coach: 'We're sensitive to the current situation'
Javier Aguirre told reporters the match at the Estadio Corregidora would proceed and that the Mexico Football Federation had given assurances on security. "We're sensitive to the current situation, " Aguirre said. "The people at the FMF [Mexico Football Federation] have assured me that everyone will be safe. "
Mexico Vs Iceland: fans expected, tickets sold out
Tickets for the friendly are sold out, and a crowd of 30, 000-plus is expected inside the stadium. Aguirre 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. " Despite growing doubts about Wednesday's friendly between Mexico and Iceland, sources told on Monday that the game would still go as planned.
Violence followed 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 announcement of his death sparked backlash that led to the postponement of Queretaro and Juarez FC, and Chivas vs. America in Liga MX Femenil. In the days after the killing, cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in nearly a dozen states across Mexico.
Portugal match and FIFA scrutiny
Aguirre said he hopes Mexico will face Portugal soon in an upcoming Mexico City friendly on March 28, but the Portuguese federation posted on Tuesday that it is currently evaluating the situation. The Portuguese federation said it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico. "
FIFA president expresses confidence
Sources told Mexico that FIFA has requested reports from Mexico on their 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, saying local authorities are fully prepared to maintain order and security for the tournament. "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, " Infantino said. 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. "
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The immediate next item on the schedule is the Mexico vs iceland friendly at the Estadio Corregidora this Wednesday, with the Mexico City meeting with Portugal on March 28 still under evaluation by the Portuguese federation.
