The Mexican military has reportedly intercepted and brought down an unregistered drone seen flying over South Korea’s training base before their World Cup match with co-hosts Mexico on Friday.
South Korea are preparing for the Group A game at their training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, where the drone was spotted during Tuesday’s training session – which prompted fears of spying.
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.”
The intervention was part of a security operation implemented across World Cup host cities that involved the co-ordination of thousands of personnel and advanced technology.
With both Mexico and South Korea opening their World Cup campaigns with three points, Friday’s encounter could go a long way to deciding who tops the group.
In 2024, Canada’s women’s team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before their opening match at the Paris Olympics.
Head coach Bev Priestman was dismissed by Canada Soccer and two coaching staff members were suspended as the 2020 gold medallists were deducted six points.