Security forces in Mexico have neutralized an unidentified drone flying near the training camp of the South Korean national football team, which is currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup. The incident occurred as authorities ramp up security measures across host cities.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the Associated Press (AP), the unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected and promptly neutralized by local security personnel. Authorities are currently investigating whether the device was deployed to monitor the South Korean squad or to gather tactical intelligence ahead of upcoming matches.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo described the incident as "regrettable." He noted, "We noticed the drone in the sky during training. Fortunately, it happened before we began our tactical preparations, so it did not significantly impact our work. However, it is unpleasant that such an event occurred during a critical stage of our preparation process."
Mexican officials report that security protocols have been tightened, with numerous unauthorized drones neutralized recently near stadiums in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—key venues for the upcoming tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, is expected to draw unprecedented global attention, prompting organizers to implement strict no-fly zones and enhanced surveillance to protect participating teams and infrastructure.
