South Korea reports drone incident during training before World Cup match against Mexico

Background: Drone shot down during training

The incident occurred during a training session of the South Koreans in Guadalajara. Details on the origin, type, or circumstances of the drone being shot down were initially not made public by those responsible. There were also no confirmed details initially on whether injuries or property damage occurred. South Korea has reported the incident to the World Cup organizers and to FIFA.

Sportingly, the South Koreans are in good shape after their opening match. The team coached by Jürgen Klinsmann had started the World Cup with a 2:1 win over the Czech Republic and now travels to Guadalajara with momentum. On Friday (3:00 a.m. German time, MagentaTV) the team faces co-host Mexico in the top match of Group A. For both teams, it is about winning the group and securing a favorable starting position for the knockout round.

Situation in Group A

Co-host Mexico had previously won its opening match 2:0 against South Africa, thereby also sending a clear signal. The Mexicans go into the match as one of the strongest home teams of the tournament. In front of their home crowd in Guadalajara, the team wants to build on the strong start and take over the lead in Group A.

South Korea, in turn, relies on tempo, high-pressing wide areas, and the goal-scoring threat of star striker Son Heung-min. After the opening win against the Czech Republic, the team is warned: A dropped result against Mexico would significantly complicate the situation in the battle for the round of 16. The team is preparing for the encounter under heightened security measures.

Security situation and reactions

The incident with the drone raises questions about the general security situation around the World Cup venues. World Cup organizers and security forces on site are checking whether further precautions are necessary. An official statement from FIFA or the Mexican organizing committee was initially not available. Nothing was initially known either about possible investigations or the background of the drone flight.

For the South Koreans, the incident means an additional burden alongside the sporting task. The team had focused specifically on the match against Mexico in its preparation but is considered experienced enough to deal with disruptions. Captain Son Heung-min and his teammates emphasized that they wanted to concentrate on the sporting action.

Group A remains tightly packed after the second matchday. If South Korea loses in Guadalajara on Friday, South Africa or the Czech Republic could still enter the fight for the round of 16 in the further course of the tournament. Mexico, on the other hand, would clinch the ticket for the next round early with a win. The match is considered one of the most talked-about encounters of the group stage.