Gianni Infantino has ‘total confidence’ in Mexico staging World Cup matches

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he has “total confidence” in Mexico safely staging World Cup finals and play-off matches despite an outbreak of violence close to one of the host cities.

A drug cartel has unleashed a campaign of violence in Jalisco state in response to the killing of one of its leaders last week.

Guadalajara, which will host four games at the finals as well as two World Cup play-off matches next month, is the state capital.

However, Infantino has given his complete backing to Mexico to host the matches safely and securely.

He told reporters on a visit to Colombia: “Of course we are monitoring the situation in Mexico right now, but I want to say from the outset that we have total confidence in Mexico, in President Claudia Sheinbaum, in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will turn out in the best possible way.

“We have some matches in Mexico in a month for the play-offs; the new Azteca Stadium will be inaugurated. Mexico is a great country, a football country.

“As in every country in the world, things happen, which is why we have states, police and authorities who will ensure order and security. From my side, and from FIFA’s side, I have absolute confidence.

“The authorities have more important things to talk about than football today, but football is part of Mexico and we are fully supporting President Sheinbaum, who shares that passion for football. Go Mexico and go with this celebration that will be for the whole world.”

The president of the Colombian football federation Ramon Jesurun, whose national team play two games in Mexico including one in Guadalajara on June 23, said: “I’m happy to hear from the FIFA president.

“We remain delighted, pleased, and proud that our first two games will be there.”

Jamaica are one of three countries set to take part in intercontinental play-off matches in Guadalajara next month, and the federation’s president Michael Ricketts said on Tuesday that his organisation was still seeking assurances from FIFA and the continental confederation, CONCACAF.

“We’re still cautious, obviously a little bit nervous, because we want to ensure that best practice is going down there. We want to be given some assurance that the players and the entire contingent are safe,” Ricketts told TVJ Sports.

“Things have improved – I was told the airport at Guadalajara has been reopened, so that in itself could tell a story that normality is on the horizon.

“We want to ensure, and be given some kind of guarantee, that we are safe. We are prepared. The players, those with whom I have had informal discussions, are ready, and once we get the green light, then we’re heading out to Mexico.”

Jamaica face a semi-final against New Caledonia, with the winner going on to face DR Congo for a place at this summer’s finals.