India, June 18 -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup has run into its first big off-the-pitch security controversy in the high-stakes environment. Espionage fears and tactical spying took center stage in Guadalajara after an unregistered drone disrupted the closed training session of the South Korean national team. The device was intercepted and shot down by the Mexican military forces of the host country, prompting a swift investigation and an official complaint to FIFA.

The incident took place Tuesday during the Taegeuk Warriors' training camp in Zapopan, Jalisco. As the squad went through its pre-match warm-ups, a South Korean team security official spotted the unauthorised aircraft hovering above the pitch. In a swift counterattack amid the tou...