Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico unveiled a new layer of security: robot dogs in Guadalupe and Monterrey.
Authorities in Guadalupe, a municipality in the state of Nuevo León, introduced four robotic K9 units to support police operations during the global football event.
The machines, known as the K9-X division, will assist officers by acting as a first line of response in potentially dangerous situations. Officials say the robot dogs will help ensure public safety as thousands of football fans arrive in the region for the tournament.
Mayor Hector Garcia formally presented the robotic units to local officials and members of the Public Security Department. Speaking at the event, Garcia underlined their importance for the upcoming competition.
“This is the police force that will protect the World Cup,” he said.
Garcia explained that the robotic dogs will enter risky areas before officers do. “Before the police enter and to protect the physical integrity of the officers, the robots will intervene in the event of a fight or if someone is intoxicated,” he said. “We have good police officers and cutting-edge technology for the safety of the people of Guadalupe.”
Each unit is equipped with high-resolution cameras, night-vision lenses, and real-time video transmission. The devices can operate in rough terrain and low-light conditions, making them suitable for crowded stadium zones and surrounding areas.
Reportedly, the four robot dogs cost approximately £105,000 in total, with each unit priced at around £26,000. Officials describe the purchase as an investment in advanced public safety technology ahead of one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Guadalupe is located near Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León, which will host four matches during the 2026 World Cup.
Local officials say the introduction of robot dogs makes Guadalupe one of the first municipalities in the region to adopt robotic security technology for a major international event.
In a statement, the Municipality of Guadalupe said the system features video cameras, night vision lenses, voice commands, and warnings. It is built with durable materials that allow it to operate in challenging environments.
The robotic units are not armed. Authorities clarified that the machines do not carry weapons. Their main role is surveillance, risk assessment, and real-time reporting to human officers.
In addition to the robot dogs, Guadalupe increased its conventional security measures. The city has added 100 extra patrol units and strengthened monitoring through aerial drones. Officials say the combination of robotic technology and traditional policing will help manage large crowds and respond quickly to incidents.
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with the United States and Canada. With a massive influx of fans, security agencies are taking extra precautions.
The US Department of Homeland Security announced plans to invest approximately £84 million in counter-drone technology to prevent aerial threats during the tournament. Authorities across North America are coordinating efforts to ensure a safe and secure event.
As the 2026 World Cup is nearing, officials in Guadalupe believe their robot dogs will play a crucial role in maintaining order. With advanced surveillance tools and real-time monitoring, the mechanical K9 units are set to become a visible symbol of modern World Cup security.
