FBI Seized 600+ Drones Across All 11 World Cup Host Cities
The FBI has seized more than 600 drones since the FIFA World Cup began on June 10, 2026, after operators flew them into restricted airspace over stadiums and game-watch sites across the United States. The seizures span all 11 host cities, with Miami recording the highest count at 99 drones, followed by Atlanta at 77 and Kansas City at 32.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around major events. For World Cup matches, those restrictions run three hours before and after each scheduled game. The FBI announced before the tournament that it would enforce these rules and warned operators of the consequences.
600+ drones seized across 11 U.S. cities since June 10, 2026, according to the FBI
The penalties are steep. Civil fines can reach $75,000. Criminal fines go up to $100,000. Operators also face up to one year in prison and seizure of their equipment. Two people have already been charged in the Dallas area: one for operating a drone over an active match without an airman’s certificate, and a second for owning an unregistered aircraft flown by another person.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are jointly running enforcement. The FBI has not disclosed the full details of its interception methods, but confirmed it is using “advanced, specialized drone mitigation teams and technology to monitor, track, and intercept unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).” Those techniques include taking over control of drones remotely and identifying operators on the ground.
“Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous.”
R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for Kansas City, July 5, 2026
The volume of seizures suggests many operators either missed or ignored pre-tournament warnings. The TFR rules are not new, they apply routinely to NFL games, presidential events, and other major gatherings. The World Cup’s scale, spanning 11 cities and dozens of matches, has made enforcement unusually visible.
What You Can Do Now
-
If you fly a drone, check the FAA’s B4UFLY app before your next flight. Enter your location to see active TFRs and controlled airspace in real time. Download it at faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/b4ufly.
-
Register your drone if you haven’t already. The FAA requires registration for drones weighing over 0.55 pounds. Unregistered drones flown by others can still result in charges for the owner, as the Dallas case shows. Register at faadronezone.faa.gov.
-
Report illegal drone flights near stadiums or public events by calling your local FBI field office or using the FBI’s online tip line at tips.fbi.gov. Kansas City’s U.S. attorney specifically asked the public to report violations.
-
Contact your congressional representatives at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to fund clearer public education campaigns around FAA drone rules. The 600+ seizures show enforcement is outpacing awareness.
Sources
The Guardian: FBI Seized More Than 600 Drones Flying Over World Cup Games in U.S. Cities FAA: Temporary Flight Restrictions Overview and Drone Rules FAA: UAS Registration Requirements for Drone Operators FBI: Drone Mitigation and Airspace Security Enforcement Statement