Drone shot down over South Korea training ahead of Mexico clash

A drone flew over South Korea’s training centre during their tactical preparation session ahead of their World Cup 2026 match against Mexico before being shot down by the Mexican National Guard. Two suspects were reportedly seen fleeing after the aircraft was destroyed, according to FOX Sports.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo confirmed the incident at a press conference. « Yesterday, during our training, a drone flew over the area and we learned about it. Fortunately, it was just before our tactical exercise, so it didn’t disturb us too much. But we were preparing for the match. It was the most crucial moment. What happened is therefore regrettable, » he said.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the flight of the two individuals identified. However, the matter remains unclear: Mexican federal authorities have not commented on the incident, and officials from Jalisco State told AFP they have no official report on the subject.

This episode comes in an already tense context for the South Korean squad. In recent days, three journalists from their country sparked outrage by releasing a video in which they openly mocked captain Heung-min Son, notably ridiculing his leadership behaviour and his incomplete military service. In response, the players decided to temporarily boycott the media, refusing to answer press questions.

South Korea, playing their first group stage match against Mexico — one of the three host nations of the tournament — approached this encounter in a particularly charged atmosphere, between internal media tensions and suspicions of sports espionage.