Drone shot down over team's World Cup training base
A drone has been shot down over South Korea’s training base, ahead of their second FIFA World Cup group stage clash with Mexico on Friday.
The Mexican military intercepted and brought it down on Wednesday, describing it as an “unregistered drone”.
South Korea's players take part in a training session in Guadalajara, Mexico. Getty
South Korea is training in Guadalajara and takes on host nation Mexico on Friday morning.
It remains unclear whether anybody was arrested, but the Associated Press is reporting that several drones have been shot down in Mexico around World Cup facilities and stadiums since the tournament begun.
South Korean coach Hong Myung-Bo said the situation was “unfortunate”.
“So (Tuesday), during our training, there was a drone in the sky and we came to know about the fact,” Hong told reporters.
“But fortunately, it was right before we practiced our tactics. So it did not impact us significantly.
“But while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing. So what happened was unfortunate.”
While it’s unclear who was operating the drone, a similar incident occurred in 2024 at the Paris Olympics.
The head coach of the Canadian women’s team was dismissed after being accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before the two teams faced off.
The FBI reportedly thwarted a drone attack on the UFC 250 Freedom event on the White House lawn in Washington last week.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place across Mexico, Canada and the US, with the group stages underway in all three countries.
Mexico and South Korea sit atop Group A after beating South Africa and Czechia respectively. The winner of Friday’s match will be in prime position to top the group.
