Multiple media reports say that US security authorities have seized more than 300 unauthorised drones at World Cup sites since the tournament began.
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) have been declared so that aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited from flying within a three-mile radius of stadiums and fan zones and up to 3,000 feet above them. Similar restrictions cover fan zones.
According to the Transportation Security Administration:
“Checking for TFRs before every drone flight is required by federal law. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly. Violations of these TFRs can result in civil fines up to USD75,000, criminal fines up to USD100,000, up to a year in prison, and seizure of the drone.”
“Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous. My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone free,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “If you see a drone breaking the rules, report it. If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice because violators will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”
On June 18 the TSA reported the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), FBI-Kansas City, and Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) joint operation intercepted eight drones during FIFA World Cup 2026 events at Kansas City Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival for violations of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). All eight drones and controllers were seized by the FBI. Two drone operators were issued misdemeanor violation notices by FAMS. The counter-drone operation also resulted in the apprehension of a female wanted on six outstanding arrest warrants.
For more information
https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2026/06/18/eight-drones-seized-and-two-violation-notices-issued-during-june-16
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdjkzdgeewvo
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/us-agencies-have-seized-more-than-300-drones-near-world-cup-sites-tsa-says-2026-06-23/
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