An unidentified drone was spotted flying over the U.S. men’s national team’s training grounds ahead of its Gold Cup semifinal against Guatemala, sparking speculation about the motives behind the aerial disruption. According to CBS Sports, the drone was observed in the vicinity of the team’s facility in St. Louis, raising concerns among officials and fans. The U.S. Soccer Federation deployed three drones for security purposes before Tuesday’s practice session, but an unexpected fourth drone was reported, which later landed outside the training site’s perimeter. The incident prompted some media outlets to question the potential security implications, though no official threats were reported.
The U.S. men’s national team, which has not reached the Gold Cup final since 2021, has had to overcome several challenges in its quest for the title. In addition to the drone incident, unauthorized filming was reported at the training grounds. While it is unclear whether the two events are connected, the presence of unauthorized individuals has raised security concerns. The U.S. Soccer Federation has stated that its staff is working to identify the drone and determine its origin. This incident highlights the growing use of technology in sports, both for security and for potential disruptions.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino made light of the situation, stating that the team would not hide anything from the public. “If someone wants some clips, we can send. It’s not a problem,” he said. “We are not going to hide nothing. It’s not the NASA here. It is the national – men’s national team. No problem.” Pochettino also addressed the absence of midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Sunday’s quarterfinal win over Costa Rica, noting that the player is still dealing with an ankle injury and may not be available for Wednesday’s match.
The Gold Cup semifinal, which pits the U.S. against Guatemala, is a significant match for the team, as Guatemala has never reached the final. This match is not only a crucial step in the tournament but also has implications for the team’s standing in the region. The incident with the drone, combined with the unauthorized filming, underscores the need for enhanced security measures at high-profile sporting events. As the U.S. continues its campaign, the team must navigate these challenges while focusing on its performance on the field.