Mexico deploys robot dogs to assist police as it prepares for 2026 World Cup

A pack of robot dogs will assist police in Mexico during the 2026 World Cup, authorities said on Monday, forming part of a wider security plan for the international event. The four-legged machines will be used to enter potentially dangerous areas and transmit live video to officers before any action is taken.

The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Robots acquired for Monterrey World Cup venue

The animaloid robots were purchased for 2.5 million pesos ($145,000) by the city council of Guadalupe, part of the Monterrey metropolitan region that will host matches at BBVA Stadium — to be temporarily known as Estadio Monterrey during the World Cup. The venue is set to stage four games.

A video released by local authorities shows one robot navigating an abandoned building, walking on four legs and climbing stairs with some difficulty. The machine streams real-time footage to police officers following behind as part of a demonstration exercise.

During the demonstration, the robot dog encounters an armed man and issues a command through a loudspeaker instructing him to drop his weapon. Guadalupe mayor Hector Garcia said the purpose of the robots is “to support police officers with initial intervention… to protect the physical safety of officers.”

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He added that the robots would be deployed “in case of any altercation” during the tournament.