Did Mexico ‘spy’ on South Korea?
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffThe Mexican military had to bring down drones which appeared to be flying over the South Korean training base ahead of the Asian nation’s game against the World Cup co-hosts on Friday, according to a report.
With the South Koreans training in Guadalajara, the news naturally incited fears of spying.
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Spying in football
South Korean coach Hong Myung-bo, who was a hero for his nation when they famously reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup while co-hosting the tournament with Japan, played down fears.
"It did not impact us significantly, but while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing, so what happened was unfortunate,” he told BBC.
Spying has been known to take place in high-level football.
In May, English Championship club Southampton were thrown out of the Premier League promotion play-offs after admitting to having spied on rival clubs.
In 2024, the Canada women’s team was also accused of spying on New Zealand ahead of a Paris Olympics match. Then coach Bev Pristman lost her job, and the team was deducted six points.
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Both Czechia and Bafana Bafana lost their opening games, with Mexico and South Korea being favourites to advance to the Last 32. Mexico then went on to beat South Korea after South Africa drew against Czech Republic.
With Mexico having progressing to the next round, it remains to be seen who will secure second spot, and whoever finishes third may also advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.