In a move reflecting the rapid technological advancements in securing major sporting events, Mexican authorities in Guadalupe announced an innovative and unprecedented security strategy in preparation for hosting the 2026 World Cup . This plan relies primarily on integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into traditional police operations to ensure the safety of fans and players.
Robotic dogs: The new security arm in stadiums
The mayor of Guadalupe, Hector Garcia, revealed details of a plan to deploy four-legged "robot dogs" to support human police forces. These robots are not merely surveillance tools; they are designed to be the first line of defense in dangerous situations. According to official statements, these robots possess advanced technological capabilities, including:
- Initial intervention: Risk assessment in riot areas prior to the arrival of personnel.
- Live streaming: Transmitting live, high-resolution images from operating rooms to make appropriate decisions.
- Maneuverability: Climbing stairs and entering narrow spaces or abandoned buildings that might pose a danger to the police.
- Voice communication: Issuing voice commands to suspects or making appeals to the public.
Huge investment and strategic distribution
The municipality of Guadalupe has allocated an initial investment of 2.5 million pesos to purchase four advanced units of these robots. These units are planned for strategic deployment during major events, specifically around the BBVA (also known as the Steel Giants Stadium), one of the main venues for the tournament.
This approach aims to reduce risks to the lives of security personnel by assigning dangerous tasks in their early stages to machines, thus ensuring higher efficiency in crowd control and dealing with any potential security threats.
2026 World Cup: A historic event requiring exceptional measures
These measures are particularly important given the historic nature of the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Mexico, which has previously hosted the tournament twice, in 1970 and 1986, will host a significant portion of the matches between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
The BBVA stadium in Nuevo León is a cornerstone of Mexico's bid, as it will host four key matches. Therefore, securing this stadium and its surroundings with state-of-the-art technology sends a reassuring message to FIFA and fans from around the world, confirming Mexico's readiness to deliver a safe and spectacular World Cup.
