Mexico coach confident friendly against Iceland will be safe

Mexico City - Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) promised everyone would be safe in the friendly against Iceland in Queretaro on Thursday, February 26, 2026, morning WIB, amid recent security concerns across the country that emerged after the murder of a major cartel leader.

"We are sensitive to the current situation. The people at FMF have assured me that everyone will be safe," Aguirre said before the match at the Estadio Corregidora.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel CJNG, was killed. This caused a strong reaction in Mexico which led to the postponement of the Queretaro vs Juarez FC (Liga MX) match as well as Chivas vs America in the Liga MX Femenil.

After the leader's death, cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in nearly a dozen states across Mexico.

Despite growing doubts about the friendly between Mexico and Iceland, ESPN reported that the match will still go ahead as planned.

"We are here. We are very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about sport. That is the message I can give to the supporters as a football coach," said Aguirre.

Tickets for the match have sold out and it is estimated that there will be more than 30,000 spectators in the stadium.

Aguirre also hopes to face Portugal in an upcoming friendly match in Mexico City on March 28, 2026, although the FMF on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, stated that they are currently evaluating the situation.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said it was closely monitoring the complicated situation currently taking place in Mexico.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer, FIFA has requested reports from the Latin American country on their security situation.

On Tuesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated his full confidence in Mexico's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, stating that local authorities are fully prepared to maintain order and security during the tournament.

"We have been analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico for the past few days, but I would like to say from the beginning that we have full confidence in Mexico, in the President of Mexico, (Claudia) Sheinbaum, and in its authorities."

"We are confident that everything will go as well as possible. Mexico is a great football country. Just like in every country in the world, things can happen. We don't live on the moon or another planet."

"Things can happen. That's why we have governments, police, and authorities that will ensure order and security," Infantino said, speaking from Barranquilla, Colombia, during the inauguration of the Colombian Football Federation hotel.