Robotic dogs patrol the 2026 World Cup in Mexico

Authorities in Mexico The province of Guadalupe, Nuevo León, this week unveiled four robot dogs that will be part of the security services at BBVA Stadium, one of Mexico’s three stadiums for the 2026 World Cup.

The K9-X unit acts only as a type of first responder. The robotic dogs are not armed, but each unit includes video cameras, night vision and communications systems used to issue warnings or instructions. Its mission is to deter illegal activity, detect unusual behavior, identify suspicious objects, control crowds, and immediately alert law enforcement when the system deems it necessary.

Robotic dogs work semi-autonomously: they do not make decisions or perform movements on their own. Instead, they require the operator to control them as if they were handling a drone or a video game. The operator can also use the robot’s command system to issue instructions during a crisis.

“These K9-X robot dogs will support the police with initial intervention, providing video and eventual entry into high-risk locations – that is, before public security forces enter – and to protect the physical safety of officers, the robots will intervene in the event of a fight or the presence of an intoxicated person,” Hector Garcia, Mayor of Guadalupe, said in a press conference. “We have good police officers, and we work hand in hand with the latest technology for the safety of the people of Guadalupe.”

The K9-X unit has already made its first official intervention. During Monterrey Football Club’s recent match in the Concachampions tournament, robots patrolled the perimeter of the BBVA stadium. According to the official press release, “robot dogs” carried out preventive patrols at the entrances and in the main gathering areas.

Robotic dogs are just one part of Guadalupe’s security strategy for the 2026 World Cup. The city also plans to use advanced surveillance drones and anti-drone technology to protect large events. Authorities did not reveal the model, manufacturer, or many technical details of the K9-X units.

When the World Cup starts in June, the BBVA Stadium will host four matches: three in the group stage and one in the round of 16.

This story originally appeared in WIRED en Español and was translated from Spanish.