Drone Spotted Flying Over South Korea's Training Session, Brought Down By Mexico's Military

Published 18 June 2026 · world

Drone Spotted Flying Over South Korea's Training Session, Brought Down By Mexico's Military Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 13:06 IST Coach Hong Myung-bo

Drone Spotted Flying Over South Korea's Training Session, Brought Down By Mexico's Military Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 13:06 IST Coach Hong Myung-bo says a drone disrupted South Korea training before the Mexico match, Yonhap reports Mexico military downed it, Korea FA has filed a complaint with FIFA Rapid Read South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (AP) Coach Hong Myung-bo said on Wednesday that a drone was spotted flying over South Korea’s training session ahead of their eagerly awaited clash with FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico, calling the incident “unfortunate." Victory for South Korea against Mexico in Guadalajara on Thursday would virtually guarantee progress to the knockout rounds and put the winners in pole position to top Group A, which also includes South Africa and Czechia. However, the Taegeuk Warriors’ preparations on Tuesday were disrupted by the incident, which raised fears of spying.

Korean news agency Yonhap reported that the drone was brought down by Mexico’s military using radio signals. “Yesterday during our training there was a drone in the sky, and we came to know about the fact. But fortunately it was right before we practiced our tactics, so it did not impact us significantly," said the coach. “But, while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing. So, what happened was unfortunate," he told a press conference. Drone flights have been banned over stadiums and facilities hosting World Cup matches and events in Mexico, as well as in the United States. Yonhap said a South Korea team security officer spotted the device, and a Mexican military drone-interdiction specialist stationed at the training camp brought it down by emitting radio signals. Two men suspected of operating the drone retrieved the crashed device and fled the scene.

The Korea Football Association has filed a report with FIFA and requested reassurances that there will be no repeat of the incident. Mexican federal authorities did not respond to an AFP request for comment, while officials in the state of Jalisco said they had no formal record of the incident. FIFA World Cup: Mexico vs South Korea Meanwhile, coach Hong said he expected a difficult match against Mexico, praising the hosts’ “creative" midfield and telling reporters he anticipated a strong contribution from the home crowd. “We fully understand that it’s going to be a match with the home team, and we know that that’s going to give benefits to the home team," he said. “But my players have experienced such matches before, so it will be different tomorrow, and we need to control the rhythm and the flow of the match." Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup‘s opening game last week, while South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1.