The Mexican military has reportedly intercepted and brought down an unregistered drone seen flying over South Korea's training base in Guadalajara, prompting fears of spying just days before the World Cup hosts face the Asian side on Friday. The drone was spotted during Tuesday's training session, according to reports, and was brought down as part of a security operation involving thousands of personnel and advanced technology across all World Cup host cities.
South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo said at a news conference: "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."
“Mexican military reportedly intercepts drone over South Korea training base before key World Cup match.”
Both Mexico and South Korea opened their World Cup campaigns with three points, making Friday's Group A encounter a crucial match that could decide who tops the group.
The incident echoes a similar case at the Paris Olympics in 2024, when Canada's women's football team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session. Head coach Bev Priestman was dismissed by Canada Soccer, two coaching staff members were suspended, and the 2020 gold medallists were deducted six points.
With the stakes high and security on alert, all eyes will be on the Estadio Akron on Friday as Mexico and South Korea battle for group supremacy.