FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he has “total confidence” in Mexico safely staging World Cup finals and play-off matches despite an outbreak of violence close to one of the host cities.

Infantino told reporters on a visit to Colombia: “Of course we are monitoring the situation in Mexico right now, but I want to say from the outset that we have total confidence in Mexico, in President Claudia Sheinbaum, in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will turn out in the best possible way.

“As in every country in the world, things happen, which is why we have states, police and authorities who will ensure order and security. From my side, and from Fifa’s side, I have absolute confidence.

“The authorities have more important things to talk about than football today, but football is part of Mexico and we are fully supporting President Sheinbaum, who shares that passion for football. Go Mexico and go with this celebration that will be for the whole world.”

The president of the Colombian football federation Ramon Jesurun, whose national team play two games in Mexico including one in Guadalajara on June 23, said: “I’m happy to hear from the Fifa president.

“We remain delighted, pleased, and proud that our first two games will be there.”