Drone espionage suspected at South Korea World Cup training in Mexico
During a closed South Korea World Cup training session in Zapopan/Guadalajara, Mexico, a drone was spotted hovering over the field, prompting Mexican National Guard and military intervention. Security forces jammed and downed the drone, but two suspects retrieved it and fled. South Korea reported the incident to FIFA as possible espionage ahead of their crucial Group A match against co-host Mexico. No tactical secrets were believed exposed. Mexican police are investigating.
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Mysterious Drone Over South Korea's World Cup Training Neutralized by Mexican Army
During a closed-door training session for South Korea's national football team near Guadalajara, Mexico, on Tuesday, an unregistered drone was spotted flying over the Chivas Verde Valle training facilities. A security agent from the South Korean team alerted Mexican army personnel stationed at the site, who quickly intervened to neutralize the unidentified drone, forcing it to land nearby. Two individuals reportedly retrieved the drone and fled before being identified. The South Korean Football Association has requested a police investigation and reported the incident to FIFA. Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed regret over the incident during a press conference, noting that it occurred before tactical setup began and did not significantly impact the team. The motive behind the drone's appearance remains unknown, but it has raised concerns about espionage during the 2026 World Cup.
Home Football - actualitésEspionage Scandal Erupts at 2026 World Cup as Drone Spies on South Korea Training
South Korea's 2026 World Cup campaign has been disrupted by an espionage scandal after a drone was spotted flying over their training center before their match against Mexico. The drone was shot down by the Mexican army, and two men were seen fleeing the scene, captured by surveillance cameras. Coach Hong Myung-bo confirmed the incident, noting it occurred just before a tactical exercise. This follows a previous controversy where South Korean journalists mocked captain Heung-min Son, leading to a press boycott. FIFA has banned drone flights over stadiums and team facilities during the tournament. Mexican authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMexican military downs drone near South Korea's World Cup training camp
Mexican military forces used specialized equipment to detect and neutralize an unregistered drone that flew near the South Korean national football team's training camp in Guadalajara ahead of their World Cup match against Mexico. The incident occurred during a critical tactical practice session, though South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said it did not impact the team as it happened just before they began practicing tactics. The operation was part of Mexico's broader 'Plan Kukulkan' security plan involving approximately 100,000 military and police personnel across three host cities. The anonymous federal official did not specify when the incident occurred or if any arrests were made, but noted that several drones have been neutralized in recent days near stadiums, team base camps, and fan festivals. Canada has also banned unauthorized drones over World Cup venues in Vancouver and Toronto through July 7.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Drone Shot Down Near South Korea World Cup Training Base Sparks Spying Fears
A drone was shot down by Mexican military forces near South Korea's World Cup training base in Guadalajara, ahead of their crucial match against Mexico. South Korea head coach Hong Myung-Bo expressed relief that the incident occurred before tactical practice, minimizing impact. The drone was detected and neutralized by special equipment. The incident has raised spying concerns, though no arrests have been reported. It is part of broader security measures under Mexico's 'Plan Kukulkan', which includes 100,000 personnel. Separately, England's training kit was stolen in transit but later recovered by police.
Mirror - FootballMexico military brings down drone near South Korea World Cup training camp
Mexican military forces intercepted and neutralized an unregistered drone that flew near the South Korea national team's training camp ahead of their World Cup Group A match against Mexico. The incident occurred as part of a broader security operation called 'Plan Kukulkán,' involving approximately 100,000 personnel across Mexico's three host cities. It remains unclear whether the drone was attempting to spy on South Korea's training session or if any arrests were made. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo described the incident as 'unfortunate' but noted the drone appeared just before tactical practice, so it did not impact preparations. Mexican authorities have neutralized several drones in recent days near stadiums, team base camps, and fan festivals. The article also draws parallels to the 2024 Canadian women's team drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics, which led to sanctions and coaching suspensions.
Football | The GuardianDrone intercepted near South Korea training base before World Cup match with Mexico
The Mexican military reportedly intercepted and brought down an unregistered drone flying over South Korea's training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of their Group A World Cup match against co-hosts Mexico on Friday. The drone was spotted during Tuesday's training session, prompting fears of spying. South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo said the incident was unfortunate but did not significantly impact the team's preparation. The intervention was part of a broader security operation across World Cup host cities. Both teams won their opening matches, making the upcoming encounter crucial for group standings. The article also references a 2024 incident where Canada's women's team used a drone to spy on New Zealand at the Paris Olympics, resulting in sanctions.
BBC SportSouth Korea Coach Myung-Bo Hong Calls Drone Downing During Training 'Regrettable'
During the 2026 World Cup, an unregistered drone was shot down by Mexican security forces while the South Korean national team was training in Jalisco, Mexico. The incident, reported by Reuters, has sparked suspicions of espionage as South Korea is preparing to face host nation Mexico in Guadalajara. South Korea's head coach, Myung-Bo Hong, stated that the event did not significantly affect the team but described it as 'regrettable' given the importance of their preparation. He also acknowledged the hostile atmosphere expected from Mexican fans and emphasized the need for his players to control the game's rhythm. The drone incident occurred amid heightened security measures in Jalisco due to drug trafficking-related insecurity.
FútbolDrone Intercepted During South Korea's World Cup Training in Mexico
During a closed training session of the South Korean national team in Zapopan, Mexico, a drone was spotted and subsequently brought down by Mexican military personnel using special equipment. South Korea's coach Myung-bo Hong stated that the drone appeared just before a crucial tactical block, but the incident had no impact on the team's preparation. A Mexican federal official confirmed it was an unregistered drone and noted that several drones have been intercepted in recent days attempting to breach security zones around World Cup stadiums, team quarters, and fan festivals. The South Korean Football Association has informed FIFA about the incident. The World Cup is being held under Mexico's 'Plan Kukulkán' security plan, involving around 100,000 military and police personnel. South Korea is set to face co-host Mexico in a Group A match.
Nachrichten - WELTDrone Intercepted During South Korea World Cup Training in Mexico
During a closed training session of the South Korean national football team in Zapopan, Mexico, a drone was spotted and subsequently brought down by Mexican military personnel using special counter-drone equipment. The incident occurred shortly before a tactical session, which coach Myung-bo Hong said was the most critical part of training, but he confirmed it would have no impact on the team's preparation. A Mexican federal official reported that the drone was unregistered and that several similar incidents have occurred in recent days, with drones attempting to enter security zones around World Cup stadiums, team quarters, and fan festivals in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The suspected perpetrators reportedly retrieved the drone and fled. The South Korean Football Association has informed FIFA about the incident. The World Cup is being held under Mexico's 'Plan Kukulkán' security plan, involving around 100,000 military and police personnel.
Nachrichten - WELTDrone shot down over South Korea's closed-door training in Mexico
On June 17, 2026, Mexican authorities shot down an unauthorized drone that flew over South Korea's closed-door training session at the Verde Valle sports center in Guadalajara, ahead of their match against Mexico. The South Korean Football Association reported that security staff identified the drone, and the National Guard and Army, along with a Special Anti-Drone Squadron, used blocking and electronic transfer systems to bring it down. The drone fell outside the training center, but two foreign men suspected to be the pilots recovered it before officials could retrieve it. The flight occurred during the players' warm-up, so no tactical drills were exposed. The incident has been reported to FIFA, and police are investigating, with security camera footage of the pilots available. The training session concluded normally, and a press conference is scheduled for the next day.
FútbolNational Guard Shoots Down Drone Filming South Korea's Training in Mexico
During a South Korea national team training session in Guadalajara, Mexico, a suspicious drone was spotted filming the players. The National Guard was alerted and electronically brought down the device. Two suspects operating the drone fled the scene but were identified through the video surveillance system and are currently at large. The incident adds to the tense atmosphere surrounding the team, which recently imposed a media blackout after an audio recording questioned the military status of forward Son Heung-min. South Korea, having defeated the Czech Republic in their first match, is scheduled to play against Mexico in Zapopan in the early hours of Friday.
RecordDrone Espionage Suspected at World Cup: Military Shoots Down Spy Drone Over South Korea Training
A suspected espionage incident occurred before the World Cup group match between South Korea and co-host Mexico. A drone was flown over the South Korean national team's training ground near Guadalajara, allegedly launched by two unknown men from a nearby residential area. A South Korean security employee spotted the drone, and a Mexican military officer responsible for team security disrupted its signal, bringing it down. However, the perpetrators collected the crashed drone and fled before security forces could detain them. The South Korean video department reportedly filmed the escape. No major tactical secrets are believed to have been revealed, as the incident happened during the warm-up, before the tactical session. The South Korean association informed FIFA, and Mexican police have launched an investigation. The incident comes at a critical time, as both teams vie for group leadership.
BILD - SportSuspected Espionage: Drone Downed During South Korea World Cup Training in Mexico
During a non-public training session of South Korea's national team in Zapopan, Mexico, a drone was sighted and subsequently brought down by Mexican military security. The incident, which occurred before South Korea's crucial World Cup match against co-host Mexico, is being treated as a possible espionage attempt. The suspected perpetrators retrieved the drone and fled. South Korea's football association has informed FIFA. In other World Cup news, FIFA has banned intense kissing and inappropriate displays of affection in stadiums, with loudspeaker announcements reminding fans of prohibited behaviors. Additionally, Turkish commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen was suspended by state broadcaster TRT after confusing Iran and New Zealand during a live match broadcast.
Nachrichten - WELTDrone Intrusion Disrupts South Korea World Cup Training; Mexico National Guard Intervenes
On June 17, 2024, during South Korea's closed World Cup training session at Verde Valle in Guadalajara, a drone was spotted hovering over the field. Mexican National Guard security personnel deployed jamming equipment to bring the drone down. However, by the time security reached the crash site, two men suspected of operating the drone had retrieved it and fled. South Korea has filed a report with FIFA, suspecting possible pre-match espionage ahead of their crucial Group A match against host Mexico. Both teams are in Group A; South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opener, while Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0. The upcoming direct clash is seen as decisive for group advancement.
虎扑 - 足球Drone Espionage Suspected at South Korea World Cup Training; Military Intervenes
A drone allegedly spied on South Korea's national football team training ahead of their World Cup group match against co-host Mexico in Zapopan, Mexico. The drone was launched by two unknown men from a nearby residential area and was discovered by a South Korean security officer. A Mexican military member disrupted the signal and brought the drone down, but the perpetrators collected the crashed device and fled. The incident occurred during the warm-up, before tactical sessions, so no major secrets were revealed. The South Korean association informed FIFA, and Mexican police launched an investigation. The match is crucial for both teams, as South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 and Mexico won their opener against South Africa 2-0.
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