Drone intercepted near South Korea's World Cup training camp in Guadalajara

drone interception Guadalajara training camp South Korea World Cup security Plan Kukulkan

Mexican military and National Guard forces detected and neutralized an unregistered drone that entered the airspace of the South Korean national team's training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of the team's opening World Cup match against the hosts. Coach Hong Myung‑bo described the episode as "unfortunate" but said it did not affect the team's preparation.

The operation was part of Mexico's "Plan Kukulkán," a security program deploying roughly 100,000 military, police and private personnel to protect World Cup venues and team bases across Mexico, the United States and Canada. In recent days drones have been intercepted around stadiums in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, as well as fan‑festival zones. Canadian authorities have also banned unauthorized drones over World Cup sites.

Reports said two men fled the scene after the drone was shot down, but no arrests or further details were released. The incident recalls earlier drone‑related controversies, including the 2024 scandal involving the Canadian women's team.