The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be historic for many reasons. It will be the first with 48 teams, will be played in three countries and will mobilize millions of fans. But it could also be remembered for an image that until a few years ago seemed like something out of science fiction: robot dogs patrolling the surroundings of stadiums.

Authorities at some tournament venues have already begun deploying these robotic devices as part of their security plans for the event. Equipped with cameras, sensors and real-time monitoring systems, the robots are designed to navigate risk areas, inspect hard-to-reach spaces and assist security forces during mass gatherings.

For now, the robot dogs are confirmed only for Guadalupe, in the metropolitan area of ​​Monterrey (Nuevo León, Mexico), where the BBVA Stadium is located, one of the Mexican venues for the 2026 World Cup. Local authorities created the K9-X unit specifically to reinforce security around that stadium and the events linked to the tournament.

What are the robot dogs that will be at the World Cup?

The devices are part of the K9-X technological unit implemented in Guadalupe, within the metropolitan area of ​​Monterrey, one of the cities that will host 2026 World Cup matches.

The robots have high-definition cameras, night vision, remote communication systems and sensors capable of detecting unusual situations. They can also climb stairs, navigate complex terrain and transmit images in real time to control centers.

According to Mexican authorities, its main function will be to support the police in potentially dangerous situations and reduce the exposure of human agents to certain risks.

Confirmation is still awaited about what will happen in Mexico City (Azteca Stadium), in Guadalajara (Akron Stadium) and at the United States and Canada headquarters.

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Why do they generate so much controversy?

The controversy began after images of these robots patrolling areas near stadiums went viral. On social networks, many users compared the scenes to episodes of series such as Black Mirror and expressed concern about the advance of surveillance technologies in public spaces. Part of the debate focused on the possibility of these systems incorporating facial recognition to monitor attendees.

The manufacturers and those responsible for the project assure that the robots currently deployed are not being used to identify people through facial recognition during operations related to the World Cup.

What they can do

Although they do not act as autonomous agents, robot dogs can perform various security functions. Their tasks are to patrol parking lots and perimeters, detect suspicious objects, and inspect hard-to-reach areas.

They will also have the mission of monitoring crowds, sending real-time video to control centers and entering areas considered dangerous first.

Authorities maintain that these capabilities can help prevent incidents at events that bring together tens of thousands of people.

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The most technological World Cup in history

The incorporation of robot dogs is just one example of how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming major sporting events. The 2026 World Cup will also use advanced monitoring systems, data analysis, access control and digital security tools that seemed futuristic just a decade ago.

For some, these innovations represent a necessary evolution to protect millions of attendees. For others, they are a sign that the line between security and surveillance is becoming increasingly blurred.

The truth is that when the ball starts rolling, in just a few days, there will not only be police and guards monitoring the stadiums. There will also be robots walking among the fans.