Robot dogs equipped with cameras and surveillance sensors are expected to assist security teams during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, companies involved deny that the machines use facial-recognition technology.

Reports confirm that robotic security dogs will be used around some 2026 FIFA World Cup venues in the United States and Mexico, including locations in Texas. The machines are designed to assist with patrols, crowd monitoring, hazardous-area inspections, and real-time surveillance.

Viral social media posts recently claimed that “facial-scanning robot dogs” were already operating near World Cup sites in Dallas. However, the companies behind the robots and local reports say those claims are misleading. WFAA and Hyundai stated that the robots do not have facial-recognition capabilities and are primarily intended for security support operations.

According to reports, the robot dogs are equipped with:

• 360-degree cameras
• thermal and motion sensors
• live video transmission
• remote communication systems
• hazard detection capabilities

Officials say the technology can help security teams assess situations before officers enter potentially dangerous areas.

Similar robot dogs are also being deployed in Mexico for World Cup security operations, where authorities say they will assist police by scouting high-risk locations and sending live footage back to command centers.

Disclaimer:

Robot dogs are confirmed to be part of security preparations for some World Cup venues. However, claims that they are performing facial-recognition scans on fans have been publicly denied by the companies involved and remain unverified.