Hundreds of Mexican fans enjoyed a moment of calm on Saturday as they admired the FIFA World Cup trophy, a week after witnessing violent events in the country.

The capture and death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the country’s most wanted drug lord, on Sunday led to violent incidents, including vehicle and business arson.

These incidents were most prevalent in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, where the Akron Stadium, one of the World Cup venues and where the trophy is on display, is located.

Amid patrols by the Mexican army, the National Guard, and the Jalisco state police, the trophy arrived at the Akron Stadium in the municipality of Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.

“From this platform, we can affirm that Mexico is at peace, and there is tranquility to enjoy soccer,” Mexico’s Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez said during the presentation of the trophy, which was attended by former soccer players Hugo Sanchez and Roque Junior.

“We would like to thank FIFA, the organisers, and the government of Jalisco for their trust, coordination with the Mexican government, and the relationship we maintain to make this international event a glorious experience,” she added.

In addition to the trophy, the exhibition features several items from previous World Cups, such as balls and uniforms.

“I think the passion for soccer is greater than anything else, so welcome everyone. I believe that the necessary measures are being taken; they have been preparing for a long time, so I don’t see why it couldn’t be held here (the World Cup),” Beny Martinez, a fan who attended the trophy presentation, told Reuters.

The Akron Stadium will host one of the World Cup playoffs between New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Republic of Congo from March 26 to 31.

It will also host four first-round World Cup matches.

“Today, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Jalisco, who showed solidarity and extraordinary responsibility during the events we experienced,” Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus said.

“Today, Jalisco, I have no doubt, is establishing itself as the most Mexican World Cup venue,” he added.

The trophy will remain in Guadalajara until March 2, when it will travel to other Mexican cities, including another of the host cities, Monterrey, and then to the third host city, Mexico City, in June.

“I think that even though it will be in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Mexico is more outrageous, more joyful, and, without a doubt, a better host,” said Julian Lili, another fan who attended the exhibition.

-Reuters

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• Summary

• *IFAB introduces countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks to prevent delays
• *Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave pitch, or replacement waits
• *VAR protocol expanded to include mistaken identity and incorrect second yellow cards

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved on Saturday a package of measures aimed at speeding up the pace of matches and cracking down on time‑wasting, with the changes set to come into force at the 2026 World Cup and across all other competitions.

The changes were agreed at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales.

The extension of the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks is one of the most significant new rules.

If the referee considers that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or is being deliberately delayed, referees can initiate a five‑second visual countdown. Failure to restart play before the countdown expires will see possession handed to the opposition: throw‑ins awarded the other way, and delayed goal kicks punished with a corner.

The move extended last year’s rule designed to discourage goalkeepers from holding on to the ball excessively.

Players being substituted will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the board is shown or the referee signals the change.

If they fail to do so, the replacement player will be forced to wait until the next stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed, although the substituted player must still leave immediately.

Players receiving on‑field injury assessment or whose injury causes play to stop will have to leave the pitch once play resumes and remain off for one minute. The policy is designed to discourage tactical injury delays.

The AGM signed off on three changes to the VAR (video assistant referee) protocol. When clear evidence exists, VARs will now be allowed to intervene in three additional situations: red cards resulting from an incorrect second yellow; cases of mistaken identity; and corner kicks that have been clearly awarded in error.

The next edition of the Laws of the Game, effective on July 1, will include that non-dangerous items may be worn if safely covered, and referees will be permitted to wear chest- or head-mounted cameras.

There was also clarification around dropped balls, with possession given to the team that would have retained the ball had play not stopped, and accidental double touches during penalty kicks.

The IFAB also agreed on consultation around players leaving the field as an act of protest against a referee’s decision or team officials instigating such action, and players covering their mouths when confronting opponents during matches.

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FIFA will review security and transport arrangements in Mexico ahead of this year’s World Cup, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday, amid concerns following recent violence in the country.

Sheinbaum told reporters in Mexico that she had spoken by phone with Gianni Infantino, who reassured her that World Cup matches scheduled in Mexico would proceed as planned.

The tournament — officially the 2026 FIFA World Cup — will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19.

Earlier in the week, Sheinbaum had insisted there was “no risk” to fans travelling to Mexico despite violence that flared following the reported death of the country’s most wanted cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho.”

On Friday, she said Infantino had requested a closer look at logistical arrangements in the three Mexican host cities — Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara — particularly regarding mobility.

“Beyond security, he asked that we review the traffic issue in the three cities to guarantee mobility for all fans,” Sheinbaum said.

Mexico is set to stage multiple matches across the three venues, including fixtures at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which will become the first stadium to host World Cup matches in three different editions of the tournament.

The president’s comments came a day after World Aquatics cancelled the Diving World Cup scheduled for early March in Mexico, citing security considerations — a move that briefly intensified scrutiny around the country’s readiness to host major sporting events.

Despite that cancellation, Sheinbaum stressed that preparations for the World Cup remain on track, with federal and local authorities coordinating with FIFA to ensure the safety and smooth movement of teams and supporters.

The 2026 tournament will be the first expanded World Cup featuring 48 teams, with matches spread across North America in what is expected to be the largest edition in the competition’s history.

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