U.S. agencies have seized more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup venues and fan zones since the tournament began on June 11, according to TSA.
On match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet around stadiums unless specifically authorized by air traffic controllers. The FBI confirmed drones have been seized from restricted airspace across all 11 U.S. host cities.
The FBI reported 130 drones seized in Miami alone, and over 70 in Dallas during five matches.
The FAA has barred drones from flying over matches and related fan gatherings across the United States. At fan gatherings, drones are barred within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level.
Drone operators entering restricted airspace without approval face fines up to $100,000, criminal charges, and drone confiscation, the FBI said. FBI teams are stationed around World Cup stadiums to detect and disable unauthorized drones.
Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a 40-year-old Mexican national, was charged last week with flying a drone in restricted airspace around Dallas Stadium ahead of a match.
In 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order to bolster U.S. defenses against threatening drones. The Homeland Security Department has installed new counter-drone defense systems at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
Numerous drone incidents have occurred in prior years over major U.S. sporting events.
In 2025, a man pleaded guilty after being charged with violating defense airspace by flying a drone over an NFL playoff game in Baltimore.
