The Mexican Army will implement anti-drone systems at 2026 World Cup stadiums to counter narcodrone risks. Mexico will host 13 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with the opener in the capital. Authorities assure no suspensions despite recent violence.
Security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico includes the Army's deployment of anti-drone shields, given the use of drones by criminal groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel over the past seven years. These systems, showcased at the SEDENA's Emergency Response Battalion, will be used at key stadiums: Estadio Banorte (formerly Azteca) in Mexico City, Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
The portable and semi-fixed systems include a European-made rifle that detects and neutralizes drones by jamming communications, with a range of up to two kilometers. Captain José Alfredo Lara stated it is operated by one person and covers drones of any size. The Army has sufficient equipment for the venues.
Mexico will co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada, hosting 13 matches. The operation involves coordination among police, military, and FIFA personnel. Over 14,000 personnel will be deployed in Mexico City; more than 12,000 in Guadalajara; and about 7,000 in Monterrey. Additionally, 2,500 reinforcements are in Jalisco following violence after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’.
After a call between President Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, confidence in Mexico for the assigned matches was affirmed, ruling out changes or suspensions. The strategy aims to mitigate threats at mass events, adapting based on threat assessments.
