US Authorities Seize Over 300 Unauthorized Drones at World Cup Sites Amid Strict Airspace Restrictions]
US authorities have confiscated more than 300 unauthorized drones at World Cup venues since the tournament began earlier this month, according to officials.
During matchdays, all aircraft operations—including drones—are banned within a three-mile radius of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above them, with similar restrictions enforced around fan zones.
These measures aim to prevent drones from posing threats to spectators on the ground and are part of broader efforts to strengthen defenses against potential terrorist activities, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last year to enhance US protection against drone attacks.
FBI teams are deployed around World Cup stadiums to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones.
Violators of temporary flight restrictions face penalties including fines up to $100,000, equipment seizure, and criminal charges.
In a recent operation last week in Kansas City, Missouri, eight drones and their controllers were seized by the FBI in coordination with other law enforcement agencies for violations at the Kansas City Stadium and a FIFA fan zone.
Two drone operators received violation notices from the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS).
A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson confirmed that enforcement is swift and proactive, noting that authorities have implemented the most comprehensive airspace security and drone mitigation effort in US history for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading to over 300 unauthorized drone seizures to date.
Unauthorized drone flights in restricted areas constitute serious violations of federal law.
Last week, prior to South Korea’s Group A match against co-host Mexico, the Mexican military reportedly intercepted and shot down an unregistered drone over the South Korean training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, with the Korean camp suspecting espionage.
The issue of drone misuse recently escalated when Canada’s women’s team was accused of spying on New Zealand’s training session during the Paris Olympics, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Bev Priestman, suspensions for two coaching staff members, and a six-point deduction for the defending gold medalists.
