U.S. Agencies Seize Over 300 Drones Near World Cup Venues

U.S. agencies have seized more than 300 drones near World Cup venues since the tournament began, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). On match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums unless authorized by air traffic controllers. The FBI's Miami field office reported issuing tickets to 49 drone operators for unauthorized flights and seized 54 drones in Florida. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prohibited drones from flying over matches and related fan gatherings across the United States, with restrictions extending to a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level at fan events. The FAA stated that drone operators entering restricted airspace without approval could face fines up to $100,000, along with criminal charges and drone confiscation. The FBI has teams stationed around World Cup stadiums to detect and disable unauthorized drones. In related incidents, a man pleaded guilty for violating defense airspace by flying a drone over an NFL playoff game in January 2025, and another individual was charged for unlawfully flying a drone near the finish line of the April 2024 Boston Marathon, which led to its seizure mid-air.