FBI seizes more than 700 drones in 2026 World Cup airspace crackdown

The FBI has seized more than 700 illegal drones that flew in restricted airspace around the 11 stadiums hosting 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, according to figures published by the bureau.

Almost 1,600 drones were detected in total during the tournament, despite authorities establishing no-drone zones extending three nautical miles around each venue and up to 3,000 feet above ground level.

What happened

In a statement on its website, the FBI said drones continue to be a growing problem at major special events, and that the World Cup — the largest sporting event on the calendar — was no exception. Operators who breach the restricted airspace face fines of up to $100,000 (around £74,000), have their equipment confiscated and can also face criminal charges.

Meghan King, a supervisory special agent in charge of the crisis management programme at the FBI's Boston Field Office, said the operation amounted to the most comprehensive airspace security and drone mitigation effort in US history, describing the use of detection technology to identify drones in restricted airspace, neutralise the risk they pose and seize them from operators.

Why it matters

The threat was flagged before the tournament. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup task force, told The Athletic last month that drones appearing above players or fans represented an emerging threat. He added that counter-drone mitigation covered all 78 matches staged in the United States, rising to 326 events once FanFest and other World Cup-related gatherings are included.

• More than 700 drones seized; roughly 1,600 detected around the 11 US host stadiums
• Restricted zones set at a three nautical-mile radius and 3,000 feet above ground level
• Penalties include fines up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment and possible criminal charges
• Counter-drone measures applied to 78 matches plus FanFest and related events
• The tournament is rated SEAR One, meaning the Department of Homeland Security must provide security

What's next

Attention now turns to the final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the same airspace protections will be in force. The FBI has stressed that safeguarding the skies above these events is as important as security on the ground, and the drone figures are likely to feed into planning for future US-hosted major events such as the Super Bowl and the World Series.