The Mexican military is preparing to counter any potential threat posed by unauthorized drones inside stadiums hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Mexico displays World Cup protection equipment
Soldiers at a Mexican military base displayed anti-drone equipment they will use to protect the stadiums.
These preventive measures come in response to the increasing use of drones by drug cartels, purchased online, to strike rivals and civilians in areas suffering from organized crime.
These areas are far from the three cities that will host World Cup matches: Mexico City in the center of the country, Guadalajara in the west, and Monterrey in the north. These cities will host 13 matches out of 104 in the tournament.
A captain in the Mexican army, a specialist communications and electronics engineer, stated: “The focus is on preventing drones in stadiums and gathering places, which could include fan zone events or any point where people congregate.”
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The soldiers will use two types of anti-drone equipment. The first is a semi-mobile system that creates a perimeter preventing any unauthorized drone from flying within it. The second is a portable system that a soldier can direct towards any drone flying without authorization. Once the army team locates the drone, the connection between it and its operator is cut.
The captain noted that the use of drones by organized crime groups has increased over the past five years, prompting the Mexican military to take measures to limit this type of threat.
Mexico
Mexico is a country with a rich pre-Columbian history, including the advanced civilizations of the Aztecs and Maya, which was later transformed by Spanish colonization beginning in the 16th century. Its modern identity is a vibrant fusion of these indigenous and European influences, evident in its UNESCO World Heritage sites, cuisine, and traditions.
2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the most geographically expansive World Cup in history. This will be the first World Cup hosted by multiple nations since 2002 and the second time for Mexico, which previously hosted in 1970 and 1986.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse cultural heritage, democratic ideals, and significant influence on global politics, economics, and popular culture.
Canada
Canada is a country in North America formed through the union of British and French colonial territories, becoming a self-governing dominion in 1867. It is known for its vast natural landscapes, multicultural society, and a historical development deeply influenced by Indigenous peoples, colonization, and subsequent waves of immigration.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, built atop the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which was conquered by Spanish forces in 1521. This layered history is visible in its central square, the Zócalo, where the Metropolitan Cathedral stands beside the excavated remains of the Templo Mayor. Today, it is one of the world’s largest and most populous metropolitan areas, serving as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a major city in western Mexico, founded in 1542 by Spanish colonists. It is known as the birthplace of iconic cultural elements like mariachi music and tequila, and its historic center features significant colonial-era architecture, including the Guadalajara Cathedral.
Monterrey
Monterrey is a major industrial and economic hub in northeastern Mexico, founded in 1596 by Spanish settlers. It is known for its striking modern skyline set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, blending colonial history with contemporary architecture and culture.
German Federation
The German Federation, also known as the German Confederation, was a loose association of 39 German states established in 1815 after the Napoleonic Wars. It aimed to replace the Holy Roman Empire and coordinate defense and policy, but was dominated by Austrian influence and ultimately dissolved after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It marks the first time the World Cup has been shared by three nations, with Mexico becoming the first country to host the men’s tournament three times.
