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The Mexican military intercepted a drone flying over the South Korean national soccer team’s training camp ahead of their World Cup match against Mexico on Wednesday.
South Korea and Mexico are both 1-0 and will be fighting for the lead in Group A.
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South Korea’s midfielder Hwang In-beom celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan on June 11, 2026. (Ulises Ruiz/AFP)
Mexican forces used special equipment to detect an “unregistered drone” near the South Korean camp, prompting them to “neutralize” it, a Mexican federal agent told The Associated Press. It was not clear whether the drone was trying to spy on the South Korean team ahead of Thursday’s match between the teams.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo called the incident “unfortunate”.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), during our training, there was a drone in the sky that we were told about that fact,” Hong said through a translator. “But fortunately it was just before we were practicing our tactics so it didn’t affect us. But while we were preparing for the game, it was the most important timing so what happened was unfortunate.”
The Mexican operation was part of a security plan involving military and local police forces for the soccer tournament, which started last week in Mexico City and is being hosted by the United States and Canada until July 19.
In March, Mexican authorities announced a World Cup security operation known as “Plan Kukulkán” involving around 100,000 people from federal and local military and police forces. The plan includes early warning systems, security measures at stadiums, airports, roads and hotels, and protection protocols for teams, officials and fans.
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South Korea’s players take part in a training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico on June 15, 2026 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. (Ulises Ruiz/AFP)
In Canada, authorities have banned unauthorized drones from flying over World Cup stadiums and several training venues in Vancouver and Toronto as a safety precaution. The restrictions will remain in place until July 7 – the date of the last match scheduled to be held in the country.
In 2024, the Canadian women’s national team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session in the days leading up to their opening match at the Paris Olympics, sparking a spying scandal that led to sanctions against Canada.
The scandal led to the suspension of two coaching staff members and head coach Bev Priestman, who was subsequently fired by Canada Soccer. The Canadian women’s team – the reigning Olympic champions from the Tokyo Games – were deducted six points from the group standings in France.
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Canada Soccer later determined that the incident was not an isolated error, but part of a pattern of inadequate oversight within the national teams.
Mexico won its opening Group A match at the World Cup on Thursday, while South Korea beat the Czech Republic later that day.
