MEXICO CITY (AP) — The violence that erupted in Mexico after the death of a powerful drug lord has left many questioning whether the country will be able to co-host the World Cup in just over three months.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino thinks it can.

“Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” Infantino said late Tuesday in a press conference in Colombia.

“Mexico is a great country, like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet,” Infantino added. “That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.”

The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday, sparking several days of violence. Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states and authorities report that at least 70 people have died.

Four high-level soccer matches from the local leagues were postponed last Sunday, including one in the central city of Queretaro, where Mexico is scheduled to play against Iceland late Wednesday in a friendly match.

Thirteen World Cup matches are scheduled to be held in Mexico, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11 between the co-host and South Africa. Guadalajara, the central hub for the Jalisco cartel, is scheduled to host four.

Colombia is set to play one game in Mexico City and one in Guadalajara.

“Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward,” said Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Soccer Federation. “I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome, and overcome very quickly.”

Other nations have expressed more concern. The Portuguese soccer federation said Tuesday that it was closely monitoring developments ahead of a planned friendly against Mexico in March. Jamaica is set to play New Caledonia in Guadalajara on March 26 in an intercontinental playoff semifinal, with the winner advancing to face Congo for a World Cup spot.

“The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest,” said Michael Ricketts, the president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation. “We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions (on) whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options.”

Another Mexican city, Monterrey, will host a playoff where Bolivia plays Suriname and the winner faces Iraq for a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, Sheinbaum said there is “every guarantee” that the World Cup matches in Guadalajara will be played as planned and added that there was “no risk.”

“We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation,” Infantino said. “The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration”.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

In the Old City of Jerusalem, Mohammed Liftawi is sitting on his chair and waiting for something to happen.

He runs two shops, packed with clothes, bedding, jewellery, souvenirs and ornaments, and he hasn’t sold anything for days.

The tourists who should be thronging these streets aren’t here.

We are only a short walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most important sights in the Christian world, and Jaffa Gate, one of the main entrances to the city’s historic warren of sites and shops.

But it’s quiet. Worryingly quiet.

‘I think there will be another war’

“Jerusalem is very empty,” he says, waving an arm at the quiet street. “We have no tourists, we have nothing. They have fled because of the war.”

Having survived the COVID lockdown, his business is now having to cope with another slowdown. And now Mohammed fears another shock.

Does he think there will be another war, I ask. “To be honest, from what I hear, yes I think so. I think there will be another war. And nobody likes war.”

That may be true, but there are certainly those who are more open-minded to war than others.

‘Take off the head’

At Jaffa Gate, we bump into Moshe Cohen, 23, who’s actually quite keen on military action against Iran starting as soon as possible.

“I hope it starts in a few days,” he tells me, smiling.

I ask why. “Because they give all the money to Gaza, to Hamas. Everything comes from them. It’s a lot of money. So you have to take off the head and make the world a better place.”

So what if Americans were to decide not to attack Iran – should Israel go alone? “Yes we should. If they [the Americans] don’t want to, then we’ll have to go first.”

Alongside him, his friend, Bezalel, nods in agreement. They have no doubt at all that an attack on Iran has to happen.

Read more from Sky News:
Cuban forces kill four on US-registered boat
Inside Mexican drug lord’s final hideout

By contrast, Khalil Al-daqaq freely admits he doesn’t know what’s round the corner.

His shop, a short stumble from the Holy Church, has been run by his family for decades. He first worked here as a child – he’s now 67. Friendly, welcoming and happy to chat.

‘Some people are really scared’

“Trade is bad, but we are surviving,” he tells me. “It could be worse. I’m a very optimistic person. In this country, you have to be.

“It’s tense here. Unexpectedly. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming days. Or the next hour. Some people are really scared, but you know – what will happen, will happen.

“But people will always want to come here. When it is calm and peaceful, they will return. It’s a holy place for everyone. What we are missing over here are logical, sensible guys. For the leaders… we’re just numbers to them.”

And that sense of fatalism is a line you hear regularly – a feeling that it’s not worth worrying about the future because it will happen soon enough.

We bump into Yaakov Simcha, a 21-year-old who has come here from New Jersey to study the Torah, Judaism’s most important text.

So what, I ask, is going to happen?

“I have no idea. I’m not nervous or anything. I believe in God, and I believe that whatever he wants to happen is going to happen. And so, you know, I think his plan is going to work.”

He smiles at me. “Whatever happens, happens. It’s his plan. I’m just going to sit back and continue my studies.”

A large emergency response was pictured at the scene

Fire crews raced to a street near Manchester city centre after a fire erupted at a flat. At least six fire engines were called to the scene on Middlewood Street, in Salford, at around 7.40pm.

It followed reports of a blaze that had broken out at a nearby apartment. The road remained open however fire crews lined the road and remained in attendance for around 45 minutes.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said specialist equipment was used after the flat had become filled with smoke ‘due to a pan that had been left unattended’. No injuries were reported.

Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 7.40pm on Wednesday 25 February, fire engines from across Greater Manchester, including the turntable ladder from Manchester Central, were called to reports of a flat fire on Middlewood Street, Salford.

“Crews arrived quickly and used specialist equipment to clear smoke from a flat that was caused by a pan that had been left unattended.

“Firefighters checked neighbouring flats and made the area safe before departing after approximately 45 minutes at the scene.”

Available for over a year

The Americast team assembles for a late evening/early morning special as President Trump delivers the longest State of the Union address ever. On the agenda was a full-throated defence of the administration’s record, hailing a “turnaround for the ages,” whilst playing down the Supreme Court’s ruling against his signature tariff policy (with the judges themselves in the crowd).

Despite the speech lasting nearly two hours, there was little to suggest a change of course from Trump’s favourite taking points. He focused on the economy, immigration, the Democrats…. And the US men’s olympic hockey team.

But with growing voter dissatisfaction souring the polls, will Trump’s sales pitch be enough to counter sliding approval ratings and convince voters to stick with him for November’s midterm election?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Grace Reeve and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique insists Chelsea are an ‘incredible’ team ahead of their potential Champions League last-16 tie.

The Champions League holders drew 2-2 with Monaco in the second leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday night to progress 5-4 on aggregate.

PSG will now play either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last-16 stage, with the draw due to take place at 11am on Friday.

When asked about the prospect of PSG playing either his former club Barcelona or Chelsea in the Champions League knockout phase, Luis Enrique told Movistar: ‘Neither will be easy.

‘Since it doesn’t depend on me, I’ll adapt to whatever comes. They are two incredible teams.

‘Barca is very special to me and is already becoming a classic for me. Like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Barcelona is a unique city and the club is special.

‘And if we get Chelsea, we’ll have a few things to work on.’

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Luis Enrique also claimed PSG’s tough Champions League league phase has meant that his players are already acclimatised to high-pressure fixtures in Europe.

‘We deserved this qualification but it was difficult because for me the result was complicated, it was a tricky match,’ Luis Enrique said.

‘There are moments when you lose precision and it’s difficult to recover the level. We have to be happy with what we did, with having overcome this difficult moment.

Who can the Premier League teams play in the Champions League last-16?

Arsenal will play either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta

Chelsea will play either Newcastle United or PSG

Liverpool will play either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray

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Man City will play either Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid

Tottenham will play either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray

Newcastle United will play either Chelsea or Barcelona

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‘What I can say is that if there’s one team in the Champions League that played against the toughest group, it’s us. We’re used to playing against any team.

‘Of course, we want to improve, but we faced a very high-level opponent. Chelsea or Barca would be tough, but if there’s one team that’s ready, it’s us.

‘We have to keep doing the same thing, we’re ready to play any team, in any competition.

‘It’s been a unique season, we’ve had a lot of injured players. That’s not an excuse, but it’s important to have the whole squad available. There are three months of competition left, and we have the same mentality to go out and win.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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Yes, Operation Mincemeat really is that good. What started out as a workshop production in Salford has returned home at the start of its first UK tour having had massive, award-winning success in both the West End and on Broadway.

Unique is such an over-used word but it’s a perfect description for this quirky, rewarding and slightly bonkers show which is made all the more remarkable as it’s based on the most unlikely true story.

Operation Mincemeat left to right Charlotte Hanna-Williams, Jamie-Rose Monk, Seán Carey, Holly Sumpton and Christian Andrews (Picture: Matt Crockett)

In 1943, M15 hatched a plan to fool the German war machine. Wanting to recapture Sicily they convinced the Germans to move the majority of the 90,000 troops based there by planting fake documents hinting that Greece and Sardinia instead.

They used the body of a homeless man who had died in London, created a totally false identity for him and effectively dumped the body at sea complete with top secret documents about the non existent invasion for the Germans to find.

Not exactly the obvious starting point for a comedy musical.

But it all works beautifully. A cast of five bring such energy, precision and enthusiasm to the production, you are immediately caught up in this madcap world.

Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt (Picture: Matt Crockett)

The story revolves around five key personnel involved in Operation Mincemeat – Ewen Montagu, the driven M15 officer who pushes ahead with the seemingly absurd plan; Charles Cholmondley, the boffin who dreamed up the idea; Johnny Bevan, the head of the unit, Hester Leggatt a senior secretary and Jean Leslie, a young clerk.

Read also: ‘You can never relax’ say stars of Operation Mincemeat

A supporting cast of eccentric characters including an extremely sweaty Spanish agent, Cockney urchins, dancing Nazis and a deranged coroner are all played by the fabulous five.

Charlotte Hanna-Williams as Jean Leslie (Picture: Matt Crockett)

Costume changes are seemingly instant, actors at times switch from one character to another almost in mid sentence. At times it’s breathtaking.

In the wrong hands it would be total chaos but the precision is astonishing. Every dance move, every facial expression, every nuance is absolutely spot on. It’s a masterclass in team work on stage.

Sean Carey as Charles Cholmondeley (Picture: Matt Crockett)

It would be hard enough to pull this off without having made it a musical but that’s part of the genius of the show.

Think Six meets Monty Python, you’ll learn so much but you’ll be laughing while you do.

Gender stereotypes and class are routinely challenged. The cast in their dark trousers and white shirts use accessories to denote different characters.

Holly Sumpton as Ewen Montagu in Operation Mincemeat (Picture: Matt Crockett)

Holly Sumpton is Ewen Montagu the slightly appalling M15 agent with an arrogance borne out of his public school education. She’s so good bringing some humanity to a character who could be seen as totally obnoxious.

Sean Carey as Charles Cholmondeley is equally impressive as the bookish, nerdy scientist who finds himself out of his depth among the egos in M15.

Charlotte Hanna-Williams and Jamie-Rose Monk as Jean and Jonny Bevan are both outstanding in this runaway express train of a show.

But it’s Christian Andrews as Hester Leggatt who steals the show as the efficient, prim and proper office manager. His song Dear Bill is so poignant, so moving you’ll find you have something in your eye by the end of it.

The staging is equally impressive. Clever use of lighting transforms a basement office into a Nazi rally complete with an RnB soundtrack. Secret doors and movable furniture keeps things moving at an astonishing pace.

There are jokes of every kind from the most obvious slapstick to some very clever literary and historical references. The songs are also so clever and full of rich wordplay. The harmonies are one of the surprise highlights of a show full of surprises – is there nothing this cast can’t do and do brilliantly?

Jamie-Rose Monk as Johnny Bevan (Picture: Matt Crockett)

For all it’s energy, irreverence and constant assault on the senses, Operation Mincemeat manages to strike the correct balance in respecting the history behind the show.

We have to remember that the body of a homeless man was used in the ruse. M15 deemed it unnecessary to find out who he was or anything about his family and it was not until 1996 when his identity was discovered.

The show respects everyone involved in a covert operation which saved many lives.

But it also serves up one of the most enjoyable nights at the theatre you’re likely to experience this or any other year.

Operation Mincemeat is at the Lowry, Salford, until February 28

Savers in the UK have been warned they should act soon

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Over six million current accounts holding five-figure balances are earning nothing in interest, with hundreds of thousands containing more than £100,000, putting savers at risk of losing money in real terms.

More than 6.5 million current accounts with balances exceeding £10,000 are generating zero interest, according to analysis by savings app Spring. The figures indicate £230 billion is languishing in accounts offering no return rate – despite higher savings rates being readily accessible. The data reveals 340,000 accounts hold over £100,000 without earning a penny in interest, whilst the average balance among zero-interest accounts with more than £10,000 stands at £35,428.

In total, £324.8 billion is currently sitting in current accounts paying no interest, and an additional £71.3 billion is held in savings accounts earning 1 per cent or less, leaving millions of savers at risk of watching the real value of their money diminish through inflation, reports the Daily Record.

Of 86.3 million current accounts in credit as of November 2025, 75.5 million (87 per cent) paid nothing on balances The average balance across all non-interest-paying accounts was £4,300.

Low-interest savings accounts.

An additional £71.3 billion is sitting in 22.4 million adult savings accounts earning 1 per cent interest or less – significantly below the top easy-access rates currently available on the market.

In real terms, with inflation continuing to erode spending power, money held in accounts paying little or nothing is effectively diminishing. Spring’s study of 2,000 adults revealed a substantial number of UK savers are not optimising their returns, with many leaving their funds in low-interest accounts because of habit, apprehension and bewilderment.

The research demonstrates that more than a third of Brits (36%) maintain their savings with an account offered by their primary current account provider, while a fifth of participants (21%) confessed to keeping their savings in their current account. Just a quarter (27%) have chosen to deposit their savings with a different provider.

How to track down a lost pension

1. Gather old job details

• Find the name of your previous employer or pension provider.

2. Use the Pension Tracing Service

• Contact the government’s free Pension Tracing Service to get the provider’s contact details.

3. Contact the pension scheme directly

• Ask whether you have a pension, how much is in it and what your options are.

4. Update your contact details

• Make sure the provider has your current address and email.

5. Consider consolidating

• Bringing small pots together can make pensions easier to manage – but check for exit fees or valuable guarantees first.

Discussing the findings, Spring Head of Money Derek Sprawling said: “It’s staggering that over six and a half million current accounts hold over £10,000 and are earning absolutely nothing, with some people leaving six-figure sums languishing in accounts that erodes the real value of their money.

“This isn’t about people being careless as our research shows many are stuck in old habits or feel overwhelmed by the choices available. But in a higher-rate environment, doing nothing can be incredibly costly.

“Even small changes, like moving surplus cash into a competitive savings account, could make a meaningful difference to people’s finances.”

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Things have gone very well for Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager so far, but he faces a ‘conundrum’ this weekend, believes Red Devils legend Steve Bruce.

Carrick won the first four games of his spell as interim boss, before being held by West Ham in east London.

Manchester United got back on the horse on Monday night, winning at Everton to continue Carrick’s unbeaten run, which has seen them climb up to fourth in the Premier League table.

The manager has Benjamin Sesko to thank for three of the results he has picked up, with the Slovenian striker scoring late winners against Fulham and Everton and an equaliser against the Hammers.

All those goals came when he rose from the substitutes’ bench and calls are growing for the 22-year-old to start on Sunday at home against Crystal Palace.

Bryan Mbeumo has been leading the line and playing well, but without the goals Sesko has been scoring of late.

Bruce feels Carrick now has a conundrum on whether to reward Sesko with a place in the starting XI, or stick to the formula that has been working very nicely in recent weeks.

‘To be fair, I don’t think he had a kick apart from score the goal,’ Bruce said on talkSPORT. ‘But there’s that conundrum for Michael now, who was saying, how can I get him in the team? Do I leave him in the team? Do I start him?

‘Big decision, but you wouldn’t want to alter anything at the moment. If he keeps coming on and he’s fresh and people are tired, then he’s got the ability to score and he has done a great finish, I have to say, a great finish.’

Sesko would clearly love the opportunity to start more games, but insists he is relaxed about the situation and will just look to make the most of however many minutes he is given.

‘We are talking of course, but (Carrick) believes in me,’ he said. ‘Everyone believes in me, and they are getting me ready to start as soon as possible.

‘It’s more about me showing up when it’s important, no matter how many minutes I get. I’m focused on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins.

‘I’m getting settled in the league from game to game. Again, I’m not even thinking about “I have to start, I have to start”. Whenever the coach decides to put (me) on, I’m going to be there. If I get five minutes, I’m going to use them. It’s just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team.’

Carrick would not be drawn on his team selection after the 1-0 win at Everton, but did praise Sesko’s well-taken goal.

‘It was a great finish. It was a ruthless finish,’ he said. ‘I liked the way he put it away with real confidence. It was great play from [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo to set it up and we are dangerous on the break. I am delighted for Ben to come on and make a difference.’

Another Red Devils legend, Gary Neville, feels Carrick will hand Sesko a start against the Eagles at Old Trafford on Sunday and the striker deserves that opportunity.

‘I liked his celebration because that was an aggression I’d like to see from him,’ Neville said of Sesko’s goal against the Toffees.

‘He’s 6ft4in, he should be beating centre-backs up. When you saw him earlier on in the season he looked a little bit timid, a little bit upright, and just now he’s just started to have a little bit more power about him and he’s quite quick when he actually gets going, you see him sort of make his moves forward.

‘But that celebration, I thought, was a message to everybody – mainly those Manchester United fans over in the corner who are going wild, but that was a message saying: “Get me in this damn team, now. This is my start, I start next time.”

‘He looks like he’s growing in his game and in his body and he looks like he’s got more power in his performance. His confidence is high. I think now on Sunday, I think Michael Carrick starts him.’

MORE: Luis Enrique reacts to PSG’s potential Chelsea tie in Champions League draw

MORE: John Terry makes wild injury claim about his entire Chelsea career

MORE: Former Man Utd forward Edinson Cavani booed by own fans and urged to retire

Last month, the former One Direction star sent fans into a frenzy with the release of Aperture, his first single in almost four years, which went straight to number one on the UK Official Singles Chart.

The Grammy-winner also announced a global tour, with dates in Amsterdam, New York, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Styles will also perform 12 shows at London’s Wembley Stadium as part of the tour.

He is set to perform at the Brit Awards on Saturday (February 28) at Manchester’s Co-Op Live, before returning to the venue for an exclusive one-off performance on March 6.

Tickets to Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show cancelled and refunded

Ticketmaster has confirmed that several £20 tickets for Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on March 6 have been cancelled and refunded.

A statement from Ticketmaster explained: “We’re working with the Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’ team to cancel and refund any orders that have violated the rules of sale.

“As all tickets are non-transferable, any tickets listed on unauthorised resale sites are void and will not get fans into the show – so we’re cancelling and refunding these.

“There is also a ticket limit of 2 tickets per person, so any orders above that are being cancelled and refunded.”

An update on tickets for Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’

We’re working with the Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’ team to cancel and refund any orders that have violated the rules of sale. pic.twitter.com/H0szH5NQRs

— ticketmasteruk (@TicketmasterUK) February 23, 2026

These cancellations come as a result of the unauthorised listing of Harry Styles tickets online, a majority of which appeared on Viagogo.

Ticketmaster added: “They (Viagogo) have been asked to stop listing tickets, in line with the artist team’s goal of keeping tickets in the hands of fans for no more than £20 (+ fees).

“While we are cancelling all tickets we find listed there, ultimately Viagogo controls what is on their site – meaning listings can remain even after we’ve cancelled them.”

Are tickets still available for Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show in Manchester?

Any resale tickets will be available on the Ticketmaster website for up to £20 (+ fees).

The ticket sales and distribution company said: “If you’re still looking for tickets, please only buy via Ticketmaster as we cannot protect you on other sites.

“This is a high-demand show, so resale tickets will be limited.”

The tickets that were cancelled are also set to be reissued to fans.

Ticketmaster continued: “There will not be a new “Request” period or ticket sale – instead a small number of selected fans whose original request wasn’t fulfilled will be invited by email for a chance to purchase these tickets.”

Have you managed to secure tickets to see Harry Styles in either London or Manchester? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.