FIFA issue statement on relocating 2026 World Cup matches

World football's governing body, FIFA, have reportedly spoken out on whether 2026 World Cup matches will be relocated.

This summer, the 2026 World Cup will take place across three countries - Mexico, Canada and the United States of America.

The first match of the tournament will be played between Mexico and South Africa, and is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, concerns are being raised due to ongoing gang-related violence, especially after recent events in Mexico.

On Sunday, it was reported that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, ‘El Mencho’ – formerly Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - had been killed in a security operation.

In the wake of El Mencho's death, chaos ensued across the country, with cartel-related incidents erupting in cities like Guadalajara and Aguascalientes.

With matches set to be held in Guadalajara, FIFA Mexico has stated that they are aiming to maintain public safety.

Violence is spreading across Mexico. Image: Getty

As per The Athletic, a spokesperson said: "At FIFA Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities

"We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities."

Due to safety concerns, the question of whether FIFA would relocate matches has been raised.

Will 2026 World Cup matches be relocated?

According to The Athletic, a source within FIFA stated that 'the organisation would only consider relocating World Cup games as a very last resort'.

In addition, it has been reported that the decision to relocate will only be considered 'if or after significant concerns were relayed by both safety and security officials, as well as commercial partners'.

A FIFA spokesperson said: "Safety and security remain the top priority, and FIFA has full confidence in all three host countries."

England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.