Mexican authorities are stepping up World Cup security with an unusual new ally: robot dogs. A pack of four-legged robots will assist police in the city of Guadalupe, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Designed to enter dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, the robotic canines transmit live video back to officers, allowing law enforcement to assess threats before intervening. Guadalupe city council purchased the robots for 2.5 million pesos ($145,000) to enhance safety measures around tournament venues.

A demonstration video released by local authorities shows a robot dog navigating an abandoned building, climbing stairs, and relaying live footage to a team of police officers. In one scenario, the robot uses a loudspeaker to order an armed man to drop his weapon, showcasing its ability to handle potential threats without risking human lives.

Guadalupe Mayor Hector Garcia explained, “The purpose of these robot dogs is to support police officers with initial intervention… to protect the physical safety of officers.” He added they will be deployed “in case of any altercation” during the tournament.

The BBVA Stadium, temporarily renamed Estadio Monterrey for the World Cup, will host four matches, and the robot dogs are expected to play a key role in ensuring fan safety throughout the event.