Gianni Infantino has addressed growing concerns about safety at the 2026 tournament, saying he has “full confidence” that matches scheduled in Mexico will proceed as planned. He emphasized that security remains a top priority for organizers.

The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Mexico, United States, and Canada. Several group-stage matches are set for Mexican cities, including Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Recent gang-related violence in parts of Mexico has raised questions about whether some fixtures might need relocation. FIFA representatives say they are closely monitoring the situation.

Infantino stated that FIFA remains in constant contact with local and national authorities in all three host countries. He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a secure and successful event.

Geopolitical tensions have also drawn attention, particularly regarding Iran’s participation. Following reports of military developments involving Washington and Tehran, questions have surfaced about travel and logistics.

Iran has already qualified and is scheduled to play group-stage matches in the United States. Although Iran appears on the U.S. travel ban list, officials have clarified that non-immigrant visas for athletes and tournament personnel would still be permitted.

FIFA has not announced any changes to the tournament structure. Instead, it says it will continue assessing global developments while coordinating with host governments.

As preparations continue, organizers maintain their focus on safety, logistics, and fan experience. Officials say their goal remains unchanged: to stage a secure and smoothly run World Cup across all host nations.