Mexico Vs Iceland friendly to proceed amid cartel unrest
The mexico vs iceland friendly in Queretaro is expected to go ahead despite security concerns after the killing of a powerful cartel leader, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. Aguirre said his federation has assured him that everyone will be safe for the match at the Estadio Corregidora.
Federation assurance and quotes
Javier Aguirre said, "We're sensitive to the current situation, " before the match at the Estadio Corregidora, adding, "The people at the FMF [Mexico Football Federation] have assured me that everyone will be safe. " He also stressed the team focus, saying, "We're here. We're very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about sports, " and added, "That's the message I can send to the fans as a football coach. "
Mexico Vs Iceland security plan
Despite growing doubts about Wednesday's friendly between Mexico and Iceland, on Monday it was said the game would still go as planned. Tickets for Wednesday's game are sold out and there is a crowd of 30, 000-plus expected inside the stadium.
Violence after a leader's death
On Sunday Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho" and the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed. His death sparked backlash across the country that led to the postponement of matches involving Queretaro and Juarez FC, and also 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.
Other fixtures and reactions
Aguirre said he hopes to face Portugal soon in a Mexico City friendly on March 28, though Portugal's federation posted on Tuesday that it is currently evaluating the situation and said it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico. "
FIFA and international oversight
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 the Latin American country on its security situation. On Tuesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his total confidence in Mexico's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, asserting that local authorities are fully prepared to maintain order and security for the tournament.
Infantino spoke from Barranquilla, Colombia, during the inauguration of the Colombian Football Federation's hotel and 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. "
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Match organisers, team officials and international bodies have reiterated plans for heightened security and continued monitoring as the mexico vs iceland friendly approaches, with authorities and federations evaluating risks ahead of kickoff.
The friendly is scheduled for Wednesday at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro; organisers expect a sold-out crowd of more than 30, 000 and say security measures have been communicated through the FMF.
