FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he’s fully backing Mexico as one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup, and he’s not worried about the country’s security issues getting in the way. FIFA’s keeping an eye on things, but right now, there are no plans to change the tournament schedule.

Everything’s still on track for the reopening of Estadio Azteca and the big intercontinental playoff matches next month. Infantino made it clear that FIFA is talking all the time with Mexico’s federal government and President Claudia Sheinbaum. He trusts them to pull off a great tournament.

“We’re watching what’s happening in Mexico,” Infantino said. “But right from the start, I want to say we believe in Mexico, in President Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities. We’re sure everything will go as well as possible.”

So, with the playoff matches just around the corner and massive logistics in motion, nothing’s getting derailed. FIFA and Mexican officials are still working closely together on everything from operations to security. Infantino confirmed the matches and the Azteca reopening are both happening as planned.

“We’ve got matches coming up in Mexico for the World Cup Playoff, and the stadium’s reopening too,” he said. “Mexico’s a great football country. Every place has its situations.”

FIFA keeps saying Mexico is right at the heart of the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. They’re sure the tournament will be safe and one big celebration.

“From my side, and for FIFA, we completely trust President Sheinbaum,” Infantino said. “We’re always in touch with the presidency and the authorities. We’re keeping up with everything. The World Cup’s going to be an incredible party.”

President Sheinbaum herself promised fans total security when the World Cup kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City.

“Every single guarantee,” she said when asked about safety. She brushed off any worries for visiting fans and added, “There’s no risk, none at all.”

Rangers and Celtic just got another nod in the never-ending debate over football’s fiercest rivalries.

Some well-known pundits down in England have been weighing in, trying to settle the question of which derby tops them all. Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher, for example, sat down on The Overlap to share their picks. The Old Firm Rangers vs Celtic came up fast. Everyone knows their meetings in Glasgow are some of the most intense in world football, and you can tell the folks south of the border get how much it means when those two meet in the Premiership.

Ian Wright went with the North London derby, his old team Arsenal against Spurs, right out of the gate. Jill Scott gave a shout-out to Sunderland vs Newcastle. But Carragher didn’t hesitate, insisting nothing matches the atmosphere of Rangers vs Celtic. You can almost hear the crowd just thinking about it.

And Roy Keane? He jumped in and said it’s Celtic vs Rangers, especially when both are pushing for the top. Ange Postecoglou, who’s managed both Celtic and Tottenham, backed the Old Firm too, even as Gary Neville turned the spotlight back to North London, or Sunderland vs Newcastle. Still, a bunch of the panel agreed: Old Firm day is the one you don’t want to miss.

Right now, Rangers sit second in the league with Livingston up next on Sunday. Their manager, Danny Rohl, sounded upbeat: “We just need to keep it up, one game at a time. Last week’s win over Hearts was a great statement. The training the next day was sharp; guys who didn’t play were still fired up. It’s one of the first normal weeks since I arrived, so we’re keeping the intensity but also letting the players recharge. We’re ready for Sunday, but these games demand full focus. We have to win, simple as that; otherwise, last week means nothing.”

Celtic, meanwhile, is gearing up to face Hibs. They’re in third and looking to close the gap at the top. Martin O’Neill looked back at his earlier meetings with Hibs: “It’s always a tough game. We faced them early in my first spell, and they really gave us trouble. They just beat St Mirren and played very well against Hearts too, so we have to be prepared.”

Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added, “Playing at home, in front of your fans, it’s always special. You get that little edge. Every game’s a chance, but you really have to make the most of home fixtures. That’s where you need to lock down all three points, because away games only get harder.”