The Federal Aviation Administration says it confiscated and seized more than 700 aerial drones from the skies in and around host cities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Wednesday, the FAA said the seizures were part of a historic and comprehensive “airspace security and drone mitigation effort” conducted by federal agents and state and local law enforcement partners.
Officials said the hundreds of unmanned aerial drones, likely the majority of which belonged to hobbyists, were seized throughout the tournament at all 11 U.S. cities that hosted World Cup matches.
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There were more than 200 temporary flight restrictions put in place around all match venues, fan festivals, training sites and team hotels, officials said.
In the months leading up to the tournament, drone operators were warned that they could face serious penalties, including confiscation, fines and prosecution, if they violated those flight restrictions.
Teams of federal and local law enforcement agents were deployed to these sites to assist with detection and interception of any violators.
While not stating that any of the drones taken by law enforcement had nefarious ties, the FAA said each was treated as a potential threat and described the all-out enforcement as a successful effort to “protect millions of fans.”
The proof of concept of this enforcement operation is encouraging to the FAA, which says it will apply what it learned during the World Cup to the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which are taking place in Los Angeles.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the effort to crack down on illegal drone use during the World Cup a “whole-of-government approach.”
“In partnership with the FBI and [the Department of Homeland Security], the FAA held violators of no-drone zones accountable, seizing more than 700 drones before they were able to disrupt tournament activities,” Duffy said in a release.
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FBI Director Kash Patel added that securing the airspace over all FIFA World Cup stadiums in the U.S. was among the most complex challenges the FBI has faced in the modern law enforcement era.
The drone enforcement operation was made possible thanks to grant funding, legislations and FBI training provided to local law enforcement in and around all 11 host cities.
How authorities enforce drones rule during World Cup
In recent years, the federal government has strengthened its anti-drone regulations and says it is focused on strict enforcement of existing rules.
The “SAFER SKIES” act, which was passed in December 2025, allows for the use of various “counter-drone tools” to detect potential threats from drones, particularly around popular gathering spots like sports stadiums and concert venues. The law allows for local, state and federal agencies to track, disable or even destroy drones that are in violation of temporary flight restrictions.
Legislation passed under the Trump Administration last year allocated millions of dollars to state and local authorities to monitor and combat illegal drone use at World Cup host cities.
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Officials did not say to what extent those busted with illegal drones during the World Cup will be punished.
Any aerial drone that is believed to pose a danger to the public, operates in restricted airspace, or is used in illegal activity triggers “mandatory enforcement action,” with penalties including loss of pilot certificates, jail time and civil fines that can soar into the six-figures, officials have said previously.
The U.S. co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. The 11 U.S. host cities were Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York/New Jersey.
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