World Cup 2026: US authorities seize more than 300 unauthorized drones

Authorities in the United States have seized more than 300 unauthorized drones at World Cup sites since the tournament began earlier this month.

On match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a three-mile radius of the stadium and up to 3,000 feet above them. Similar restrictions cover fan zones.

The restrictions were brought in as a safeguard to prevent drones from posing a threat to people on the ground.

But they are part of a larger move to protect against potential terrorism — last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to strengthen US defenses against drone attacks.

FBI teams are stationed around World Cup stadiums to detect and disable unauthorized drones.

Operators who breach the World Cup’s no-fly zone face fines of up to $100,000 (£75,000), fines and criminal charges.

Last week in Kansas City, Missouri, eight drones and controllers were seized by the FBI in a joint operation with other law enforcement agencies, for violating temporary flight restrictions at World Cup events at Kansas City Stadium and the FIFA Fan Zone.

Two drone operators were also issued notices of violations by the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS).

A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told BBC Sport that “enforcement is swift and proactive” for anyone found flying drones in restricted areas.

They added that authorities “implemented the most comprehensive airspace security and drone mitigation effort in U.S. history for FIFA World Cup 2026, resulting in the interception of more than 300 unauthorized drones to date.”

“Unauthorized drone flight in restricted areas is a serious violation of federal law.”

Before South Korea’s second Group A game with co-hosts Mexico last week, the Mexican military reportedly intercepted an unregistered drone and was seen flying over South Korea’s training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, which the South Korean camp suspected of spying.

In 2024, Canada’s women’s team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before their opening match at the Olympic Games in Paris.

head coach Canada Soccer has released Bev Priestman And two coaching staff members were fired as the 2020 gold medalists were deducted six points.