Read 3 minutesUpdated: June 18, 2026 03:35 PM IST
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said it was unfortunate to see a drone flying over his training base ahead of their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against hosts Mexico in Guadalajara. The AP reported that the Mexican military intercepted and brought down the drone, and Hong said it was good that the object was in the sky before the team began working on their tactics for the match.
Mexico vs South Korea will be played on Thursday (Friday, 6.30 am IST) at the Guadalajara Stadium, the fourth of the second round of group matches in the ongoing World Cup. “So yesterday, during our training, there was a drone in the sky and we found out,” Hong said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“But fortunately, it was right before we practiced our tactics. So it didn’t affect us too much. But when we were preparing for the match, it was the most important time. So what happened was unfortunate.”
According to the AP, military forces used special equipment to locate an “unregistered drone” near a South Korean camp and prompt them to “neutralize” it, a Mexican federal agent said. It was not clear whether the drone was trying to spy on the South Korean team before the game.
The drone operation was part of Mexico’s security operation for the World Cup, known as “Plan Cuculcan”, involving about 100,000 personnel from the federal and local military and police forces. (AP Photo)
The drone operation was part of Mexico’s security operation for the World Cup, known as “Plan Cuculcan”, involving about 100,000 personnel from the 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.
South Korea and Mexico kicked off their respective campaigns on June 11, the first day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the first match of the tournament followed by South Korea defeating Czech Republic 2-1. The tournament is organized by Mexico, United States of America and Canada.