U.S. Seizes Over 600 Drones During 2026 World Cup

The Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have seized more than 600 unauthorized drones near FIFA World Cup 2026 venues and fan zones since the tournament began on June 11. Authorities implemented Temporary Flight Restrictions across 11 U.S. host cities, designating stadiums as no drone zones and establishing a three-nautical-mile restricted radius around stadiums on match days.

Significant seizures occurred in Miami, where 130 drones were confiscated, and Dallas, where over 70 were seized. In Kansas City, 32 drones were confiscated, including eight intercepted at the stadium and FIFA Fan Festival. These operations led to the charging of Mexican national Cristobal Torres Alvarez in Dallas and the arrest of a woman in Kansas City who had six outstanding warrants.

Operators flying in restricted airspace face drone confiscation, civil penalties up to $75,000, and criminal fines reaching $100,000. These measures follow a 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump to bolster drone defenses and the installation of counter-drone systems at the U.S.-Mexico border by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price warned that the Department of Justice will hold violators accountable, emphasizing that flying in restricted zones is both illegal and dangerous.