Ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, security preparations in Monterrey, Mexico, are already under way as authorities gear up for one of the country’s biggest international sporting events. BBC reporter Will Grant was given a first-hand look at the measures being put in place to help protect fans, players and city infrastructure during the tournament.
Among the most notable security tools being introduced are robotic dogs, which will patrol areas around the stadium. The devices are expected to support monitoring efforts on the ground and add a visible technological presence in areas with heavy foot traffic during match days. In addition to the robotic patrols, personnel stationed in a central command centre will be watching activity across the city, helping co-ordinate the response to any incidents and maintain situational awareness throughout the event.
Monterrey’s police department is also preparing a substantial fleet of equipment for the World Cup. This includes helicopters, with two Black Hawks among them, as well as 90 armoured vehicles that can be deployed if needed. The combination of aerial surveillance, armoured transport and citywide monitoring is intended to strengthen security operations while large crowds move through the area.
Mexico will host 13 matches during the 2026 World Cup, reflecting the country’s important role as one of the tournament’s three host nations alongside the United States and Canada. Monterrey is scheduled to stage four of those matches, placing the northern industrial city at the centre of the country’s World Cup preparations.
The focus on security in Monterrey highlights the scale of planning required for a global event of this size. With thousands of visitors expected to travel to the city for games, local authorities are working to ensure that stadium surroundings, transport routes and public spaces remain safe and manageable. The preparations also show how modern technology is increasingly being incorporated into major-event policing, with robotic patrol units and centralised monitoring systems playing a greater role alongside traditional law enforcement resources.
As the tournament approaches, Monterrey’s approach offers a glimpse of how host cities across North America are preparing for the demands of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The city’s security strategy combines personnel, vehicles and surveillance tools in an effort to create a controlled environment for one of football’s largest stages. Video editing for the report was done by Blanca Estrada.
