Rising UAV Concerns
Mexican armed forces recently intercepted an unregistered drone that had approached the South Korean national team’s training camp on the outskirts of Guadalajara. The incident formed part of a broader security operation dubbed Plan Kukulkán, which mobilises roughly 100,000 soldiers and police officers to safeguard World Cup venues.
Authorities have confirmed that multiple UAVs have been neutralised in the days leading up to the tournament, with sightings reported near stadiums and base camps in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The swift response reflects a coordinated effort involving federal troops, local law enforcement and early‑warning systems.
In Canada, the government has imposed a strict no‑fly zone for private drones over World Cup stadiums and several training sites in Vancouver and Toronto, a restriction that will remain in place until July 7. The measure follows a high‑profile spying scandal that erupted earlier this year.
The scandal involved the Canadian women’s national side, which was caught using a drone to monitor a New Zealand training session. An internal investigation resulted in the suspension of two coaching staff members and the dismissal of head coach Bev Priestman, while the team also incurred a six‑point deduction from its group standing in France.
Canadian Soccer, the sport’s governing body, has been tasked with tightening oversight to prevent a repeat of the breach. The episode underscores the growing intersection of sports preparation and cyber‑security, prompting officials on both sides of the border to reassess protocols.