FBI Confiscates Over 600 Drones Near World Cup Venues

WHO:

The Guardian - FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kansas City US attorney R Matthew Price, US attorney Ryan Raybould for the northern district of Texas

WHAT:

The Guardian - The FBI seized more than 600 drones flying over restricted World Cup airspace in the US since the tournament began.

The Guardian - 99 drones were captured in Miami, 77 in Atlanta, and 32 in Kansas City.

NBC News - The tournament began on June 11.

The Guardian - Violations of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) can result in civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison, and seizure of drones.

The Guardian - Among those arrested was one man charged with operating without an airman’s certificate and another charged with owning an unregistered aircraft.

The Guardian - The number of drones seized includes 48 in Los Angeles, 98 in Miami, 29 in Seattle, 63 in Dallas, 77 in Atlanta, 40 in New York, and 33 in Houston.

The Guardian - Newark had nine drone interceptions.

WHERE:

The Guardian - Drones were seized across all 11 US host cities of the World Cup.

The Guardian - Specific cities mentioned include Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, New York, Houston, and Newark.

The Guardian - The final is due to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

WHEN:

The Guardian - The tournament began on June 10.

The Guardian - The final is scheduled for July 19.

WHY:

The Guardian - The FBI enforced a drone flight restriction policy to ensure safety during the World Cup.

The Guardian - Kansas City US attorney R Matthew Price stated that flying drones in TFR zones is illegal and dangerous.

HOW:

The Guardian - The FBI deployed advanced, specialized drone mitigation teams and technology to monitor, track, and intercept unauthorized UAVs near major restricted-airspace events.

(UPDATED July 5, 2026 19:23 UTC)

The FBI has seized over 600 drones flying in restricted airspace during the ongoing World Cup, which began on June 11, with significant captures in cities like Miami, Atlanta, and Kansas City. Among those apprehended, one individual was charged for operating without an airman’s certificate, while another faced charges for owning an unregistered aircraft, highlighting the serious nature of these violations, which can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment. As the tournament continues, the final is set to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the FBI employing specialized teams to ensure safety by monitoring and intercepting unauthorized drone activity.