Mexico’s beefed up safety plans for World Cup with drones, safety plane and robotic canines

There have been doubts about Mexico’s ability to host the World Cup following the killing of a cartel boss

Mexico’s massive World Cup security operation has been unveiled following the outbreak of cartel violence in the country.

Scores of people died in the country’s attempt to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the subsequent backlash to his death.

His passing sparked widespread violence from the organisation, including road blockades and vehicle arson. The wave of unrest prompted calls to strip Mexico of its World Cup hosting duties.

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The nation is set to host 13 matches across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The former is due to host the opening match of the tournament, while England could potentially play Mexico in the capital in the last 16.

FIFA have been concerned enough to send a delegation to assess the country’s readiness and security measures for the tournament. Those measures include deploying 100,000 security personnel, comprising the military, police and private agencies, to secure the matches.

On top of that, 2,100 military vehicles will be on the streets of the three cities, while 24 event security aircraft and 33 drones will be deployed near the venues.

Mexico is deploying communication tools to reassure the estimated 5.5 million tourists planning to visit the country during the tournament. In light of those plans, the country has declared itself “fully prepared” to host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada.

Before the outbreak of violence, officials in the state of Nuevo Leon, of which Monterrey is the capital, unveiled a line of robot dogs that will be rolled out to assist officers during the tournament.

The four-legged machines, named the K9-X division, will use camera lenses to assess risks before entering potentially dangerous situations. The pre-programmed pooches will serve as a first line of defence, giving officers a preview of any potential hazards.

Following a meeting with FIFA officials this week, Mexico’s security secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch posted on X: “We reviewed the intelligence, prevention and operational deployment protocols that will be implemented during this international event.”

At the end of February, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured there was “no risk” to fans and that “all guarantees” of safety would be in place for the matches scheduled in Guadalajara. FIFA President Gianni Infantino added that he was “very calm” about the matches going ahead.