FIFA have no choice but to strip Mexico of World Cup games - they must act now

Violence and death in Mexico just months before the World Cup has piled pressure on FIFA to act - and president Gianni Infantino has to stand up and show genuine leadership

The silence from FIFA continues to be deafening. While speaking volumes about the organisation's ineptitude when it comes to addressing genuine problems ahead of the World Cup.

In less than four month's time the greatest show on turf will kick off in North America, Mexico and Canada.

In recent weeks, FIFA has turned a deaf ear to the concerns of travelling supporters about insulting ticket prices. Not to mention the risk of president Donald Trump moving games from Democrat strongholds, like he has threatened to do.

His immigration and foreign policies have also led to growing calls for some of those teams from Europe boycotting the tournament. And now FIFA has been left facing fresh turmoil following an outbreak of deadly violence in Mexico.

Those World Cup games being staged in Mexico, including the opening match of the tournament in a revamped Azteca Stadium which is behind schedule and in serious danger of not being ready, have been plunged into doubt.

This comes following the killing of drug cartel boss 'El Mencho' - real name Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes - in an operation which left seven people dead in the western state of Jalisco at the weekend.

The ensuing violence prompted the US State Department to warn its citizens to seek refuge, while ordering airlines to stop flights to Jalisco.

While the UK government has said that visitors to Jalisco "should exercise extreme caution" and follow the advice of local authorities following reports of "serious security incidents" daily-mirror-icon_sport_football_world-cup-2026.

The problem now facing FIFA is that Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is set to stage four group-stage games. The Republic of Ireland could feature in the first of those, against South Korea on June 11, if they qualify for the tournament via the play-offs.

And those who want to attend it. Around 5,000 England fans have booked to travel to North America to watch Thomas Tuchel's side. And through the 'Football Supporters' Association', all of them have raised concerns about some of the issues mentioned above to the FA.

But the feedback and advice has been minimal and unsatisfactory. No doubt because the drip feed of information from the top, FIFA, to the FA itself, has been turned off.

Concerns were raised about the validity of the previous two World Cups taking place in Russia and Qatar, on ethical grounds. But the current ones ahead of the 2026 edition are on a different - and more worrying scale altogether.

Meaning Infantino has to act now. Because his silence is far from golden.

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