World Cup
Mexican fans enjoy a brief respite from violence as they gaze at World Cup trophy
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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By Kunle Solaja.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has unveiled Google Gemini as the official Artificial Intelligence partner of Morocco’s national football team in a move aimed at boosting fan engagement and enhancing the digital presence of the Atlas Lions.
The partnership, announced ahead of a busy football calendar in May, June and July, will see the federation collaborate with Google Gemini to deploy advanced AI technologies in support of the Moroccan national team.
According to the federation, the strategic alliance is designed to strengthen communication channels with supporters, promote Moroccan football talent both locally and internationally, and showcase the country’s deep passion for the game to a global audience.
Powered by Google’s artificial intelligence technology, Google Gemini will work with the Moroccan federation on a range of digital and interactive initiatives tailored for football fans. The projects are expected to provide innovative experiences for supporters within Morocco and across the world, bringing fans closer to the Atlas Lions.
Among the features highlighted are the use of Gemini’s text-to-image technology, which allows fans to create personalised visuals in support of the national team, as well as the Lyria music-generation model that enables supporters to compose fan songs and recreate stadium atmospheres digitally.
The AI platform will also help fans better understand football by simplifying complex rules, analysing match performances and even predicting possible winners.
Speaking on the partnership, Najib Jarrar described the collaboration as an important step in connecting technology with sport.
“We are proud to support the Moroccan National Team, which honours Moroccan football with its global achievements during this important phase,” Jarrar said.
“Through Google Gemini, we seek to employ the power of AI to elevate the fan experience and celebrate the rich history of Moroccan football. This partnership is not just about technology; it also aims to strengthen the bonds between fans and the sport they love in deeper and more impactful ways.”
Morocco’s national team, popularly known as the Atlas Lions, gained global acclaim after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
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Veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has hinted that the upcoming FIFA World Cup could mark the final chapter of his illustrious international career after announcing that he has joined what he described as his “last training camp” with the national team.
The 40-year-old shot stopper is widely expected to be named in coach Javier Aguirre’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host alongside the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
In an emotional message posted on social media on Monday, Ochoa reflected on his long journey with the Mexican national team.
“Putting this shirt on again was never routine … it was a privilege,” he wrote. “Today begins my last training camp. But this time I see it differently. With a fuller heart, more scars, more memories, and the same excitement as the child who once dreamed of defending this badge.”
If selected, Ochoa will join an exclusive group of players to feature in six FIFA World Cups, alongside football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The experienced goalkeeper previously represented Mexico at the Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cups.
Ochoa, who currently plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, also recently suggested that the tournament could signal the end of his professional career.
Speaking to Mexican broadcaster TUDN last month, he admitted that the World Cup “could be the end for me after the World Cup” as he prepares for what is expected to be his final season in football.
“I’ve experienced unforgettable nights, endless matches, anthems that still give me goosebumps, and moments that changed my life forever,” Ochoa added in his social media post.
“And still, every time Mexico calls, something inside me begins again.”
Widely regarded as one of Mexico’s greatest goalkeepers, Ochoa has earned more than 150 international caps and produced several memorable World Cup performances during his career.
Among his standout moments were a remarkable display against Brazil at the 2014 World Cup and his penalty save from Poland captain Robert Lewandowski during the Qatar 2022 tournament.
Mexico will continue their preparations for the World Cup with friendly matches against Ghana on May 22, Australia on May 30 and Serbia on June 4 before opening their Group A campaign against South Africa on June 11.
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Mexico’s education authorities agreed on Monday to keep the 2025-2026 school calendar unchanged, reversing a proposed early end to the academic year that had drawn criticism from parents and raised questions about disruptions linked to the World Cup.
Related Story: https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2026/05/09/mexico-president-wavers-on-plan-to-cut-school-year-by-40-days-for-the-world-cup/
The federal education ministry and state authorities unanimously agreed to preserve the existing 185-day school calendar, Education Minister Mario Delgado said, meaning the school year will still end on July 15 as originally scheduled.
Delgado said the agreement came in response to a call from President Claudia Sheinbaum, while also giving certainty to millions of Mexican families that organise their daily routines around the school calendar.
Authorities said states could still make local adjustments in extraordinary circumstances, including extreme heat or logistical challenges related to the World Cup.
Delgado had previously floated ending the school year on June 5 instead of July 15, citing high temperatures and the need to ease pressure in host cities during the tournament, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada.
-Reuters
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