Mexico is preparing for potential drone threats during the upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted with the United States and Canada. The military demonstrated anti-drone equipment designed to protect stadiums and large gatherings from unauthorized drones, a response to the increasing use of drones by drug cartels.

• The Mexican military plans to deploy anti-drone measures in and around the three World Cup venues: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, which will host 13 of the 104 matches.
• Army Captain Jose Alfredo Lara explained that soldiers will use both semi-mobile and portable systems to intercept unauthorized drones by cutting off pilot communication, causing them to lose control.
• The military's proactivity stems from the growing threat posed by drug cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel, the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and the Familia Michoacana, which have been using drones for attacks, including a recent incident in Tijuana where drones dropped artisanal explosives.