US federal and local agencies have seized over 300 unauthorized drones near venues hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup since the tournament began on June 11, officials said [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established 'No Drone Zones' around all stadiums, fan events, and team base camps to protect participants and spectators during the matches [1, 4].
On match days, all aircraft operations—including drones—are banned within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around stadiums unless authorized [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Near FIFA fan zones and related gatherings, drone flights are prohibited within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet altitude [1, 3, 4].
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported over 300 drones seized during FIFA World Cup events so far. "Enforcement is swift and proactive for anyone found flying a drone in restricted zones," a TSA spokesperson said. They added unauthorized drone flights in restricted airspace are "a serious violation of federal law" [2, 4].
The FBI has stationed field offices and teams around stadiums to detect, disable, and confiscate unauthorized drones [1, 2, 3]. In Florida, the FBI issued 49 citations and seized 54 drones near World Cup venues [1, 3, 5]. Authorities warn that drone operators violating restricted airspace can face fines up to $100,000, criminal charges, confiscation of drones, and possibly prison time [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The US government deployed advanced counter-drone defense systems supported by $500 million in funding allocated specifically for drone mitigation and law enforcement during the World Cup [1, 4, 5]. These countermeasures build on measures installed last year by the Department of Homeland Security and an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump to strengthen drone defenses [1, 2, 3].
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup, said security operations are “set up like a Super Bowl,” with all 78 US matches protected by counter unmanned aircraft system coverage [4].
The next World Cup match day will continue to see the strict enforcement of these no-drone zones to ensure safety and security around the events [1, 4].
