2026 World Cup: US authorities seize more than 300 unauthorized drones

United States authorities have seized more than 300 unauthorized drones at World Cup venues since the tournament began this month. On game days, all aerial operations, including drones, are prohibited within a three-mile radius around stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above them. Similar restrictions cover fan zones. These measures were established as a precaution to prevent drones from posing a threat to people on the ground. Additionally, they are part of a broader move to protect against potential acts of terrorism — last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to strengthen U.S. defenses against drone attacks.

FBI teams are positioned around World Cup stadiums to detect and disable unauthorized drones. Operators who violate World Cup no-fly zones could face fines of up to $100,000, seizure and criminal charges. Last week in Kansas City, Missouri, eight drones and controllers were confiscated by the FBI, in a joint operation with other law enforcement agencies, for violating temporary flight restrictions at World Cup events at Kansas City Stadium and a FIFA fan zone. Two drone operators also received violation notices from the Federal Aviation Marshal Service (FAMS).


A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson said "law enforcement is swift and proactive" for anyone found flying a drone in restricted zones. They added that authorities "implemented the most comprehensive aerial safety and drone mitigation effort in U.S. history for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, resulting in the seizure of more than 300 unauthorized drones to date." "Flying unauthorized drones in restricted areas is a serious violation of federal law."

Ahead of South Korea's second Group A game against co-hosts Mexico last week, the Mexican military reportedly intercepted and shot down an unregistered drone seen flying over South Korea's training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, with the South Korean camp suspecting espionage. In 2024, Canada's women's team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before their opening match at the Olympic Games in Paris. Head coach Bev Priestman was fired by Soccer Canada and two members of the coaching staff were suspended while the 2020 gold medalists were penalized with a six-point deduction.