Mexican Cartel Crisis Jeopardizes Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Dreams
The Portuguese football association issued a statement Tuesday acknowledging it is "monitoring closely the sensitive situation" developing in Mexico, which may result in the possible cancellation of the international friendly Portugal was set to play against Mexico in March.
A surge of violence erupted throughout Mexico following a military operation that led to the killing of a prominent cartel leader this past Sunday. An emergency status was announced in more than 20 states across the nation, and footage of the violent incidents rapidly spread on social platforms.
Mexico's security crisis raised safety concerns, and Portugal, who are set to meet Mexico on March 28 in a friendly that will mark the Estadio Azteca's grand reopening, is assessing the now uncertain circumstances.
"The Portuguese football federation (FPF) is monitoring closely the sensitive situation developing in Mexico," the statement indicated. "From the beginning, the FPF was privileged to receive an invitation to take part in the reopening of this iconic stadium. The FPF is also eagerly anticipating this match due to its symbolic value and significance in preparing the national squad [for the World Cup].
"Nevertheless, the recent developments require ongoing assessment of the conditions surrounding the journey [for the March friendly]. In this regard, the guidance from the Portuguese government is essential and determining.
"Any decision [concerning the game] will be reached through continuous monitoring, in close collaboration with the government and aligned with the Mexican football federation. The FPF stresses that the security of players, technical staff and supporters is an absolute priority, and this serves as the primary criterion for all evaluations and decisions regarding the match's execution."
Portugal's announcement quickly sparked considerable speculation and doubt, but a response came within hours.
Mexican Soccer Federation Speaks on Status of Portugal Friendly
Mexican Football Federation Addresses Portugal Friendly Status
Within two hours of the Portuguese football federation's statement release, the Mexican football federation issued their own response—actually a joint declaration.
"The Mexican football federation (FMF) and FPF provide clarification regarding the preparation match. Currently, the date and venue of the fixture remain unaltered," the statement declared.
"FMF and FPF confirm their shared intention that the preparation match for the 2026 World Cup can be held on March 28," the statement proceeded, before reinforcing with the phrase, "currently, the date and venue of the fixture remain unaltered."
A fixture that stays unaltered despite the recent turmoil is Mexico's international friendly against Iceland on Wednesday evening in Querétaro city. Javier Aguirre spoke before the match and expressed his views on Portugal's statement.
"It's understandable, they [Portugal] have complete authority to monitor day by day, assessing the situation regularly," Aguirre informed the gathered press. "But I'm still planning for that match next month, during a FIFA date [international window], with our European-based players. Everything continues as scheduled, so I'm calm, hopefully the game proceeds without complications."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Breaks Silence on Safety Situation in Mexico
FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Addresses Mexico Safety Concerns
The violent incidents observed in Mexico during the weekend created doubt about the nation's capacity to co-host the 2026 World Cup with safety assurances. On Tuesday, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino addressed the situation, expressing confidence in the host country.
"Naturally we are examining and observing the situation in Mexico," Infantino stated. "But I want to express that we have complete trust in Mexico, in President [Claudia] Sheinbaum and in the officials.
"We are entirely certain everything will resolve in the optimal manner. We have several matches in Mexico in one month [the 2026 World Cup playoffs] and the Estadio Azteca is also reopening. Mexico is a remarkable nation, a football nation. As in any other nation worldwide, incidents occur, we don't exist on the moon or another planet.
"Therefore, from my perspective, from FIFA's perspective, complete trust in President Sheinbaum and Mexico. We maintain regular communication with the presidency and officials, and we'll continue observing the situation."
FIFA seems to have no intentions of moving World Cup matches from Mexico despite the violence wave. Indeed, the World Cup trophy tour is planned to visit the host city of Guadalajara this weekend—a city that was central to the recent unrest and chaos.