The Mexican military is preparing an extensive defense strategy to shield the airspace over World Cup stadiums from the threat of unauthorized drones, particularly those possibly operated by drug cartels. With the World Cup scheduled to take place in Mexico, the United States, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, this precautionary measure underlines the military's commitment to ensuring safety during the event. Soldiers demonstrated anti-drone technology at a military base in Mexico City, indicating serious underlying concerns about aerial threats during this high-profile international event.

The decision to implement military readiness comes in light of an uptick in drone usage by drug trafficking organizations, which have been reportedly acquiring these devices online to target rivals and civilians in areas plagued by organized crime. Although these violent activities predominantly occur away from the host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—the military aims to mitigate any potential risk to the millions of fans expected to attend matches at the twelve stadiums selected for the tournament.

This proactive approach not only highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Mexico regarding drug-related violence but also captures the intersection between sports and security in a global event like the World Cup. The deployment of military resources in this context raises significant implications about public safety and the lengths authorities must go to ensure a peaceful and safe atmosphere amid rising crime rates, especially during such a highly visible international gathering.