WASHINGTON, June 18 - U.S. agencies have seized in excess of 50 drones in and around FIFA World Cup 2026 locations since the tournament began last week, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Thursday.
Officials said a combined federal-and-city counter-drone team in Kansas City intercepted eight drones on Wednesday during events associated with World Cup 2026 at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a no-fly restriction for drones over World Cup matches and associated fan events across the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security reported more than 150 drone incursions into prohibited airspace at eight game locations. Those incidents include roughly three dozen incursions in Atlanta. On match days, the restrictions prohibit all aircraft operations - including drones - within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around stadiums unless specifically authorized by air traffic controllers. For fan events, drones are barred within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level nationwide.
The FAA has warned that drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval may face fines as high as $100,000, along with potential criminal charges and seizure of the drone. The FBI has also deployed drone mitigation teams that will be stationed around World Cup stadiums to assist with enforcement and response.
The department’s announcement also referenced prior prosecutions involving unauthorized drone flights at major sporting events. A man pleaded guilty last year after being charged with violating defense airspace by flying a drone over an NFL AFC playoff game in Baltimore in January 2025. Separately, authorities charged a Massachusetts man with unlawfully flying a drone near the finish line of the April 2024 Boston Marathon, an incident in which law enforcement seized the drone mid-air.
Federal and local agencies continue to enforce the established no-fly zones and to interdict drones that enter restricted areas during World Cup matches and related fan gatherings.
Key points
- More than 50 drones have been seized near World Cup venues since the tournament began; there have been over 150 incursions into restricted airspace at eight game locations. Impacted sectors: aviation operations, event security.
- On match days, aircraft are banned within three nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet around stadiums; fan events have a one-nautical-mile and 1,000-foot restriction. Impacted sectors: air traffic management, public events.
- FAA penalties include fines up to $100,000, possible criminal charges, and drone confiscation; the FBI is deploying mitigation teams at stadiums. Impacted sectors: law enforcement, regulatory compliance.
Risks and uncertainties
- Ongoing drone incursions could create enforcement and operational challenges for aviation and event-management agencies, potentially straining law enforcement resources. Affected sectors: aviation, public safety.
- Individuals operating drones in restricted zones face heavy fines, criminal liability, and loss of equipment, introducing legal and financial risk for operators. Affected sectors: recreational drone market, legal services.
- Persisting unauthorized drone activity near high-attendance events poses a risk of disruption to matches and fan events if not consistently intercepted. Affected sectors: live events, local economies tied to tourism and concessions.