Since the FIFA World Cup began on June 11, US authorities have confiscated over 600 drones that breached restricted airspace around tournament venues and fan zones, the Transportation Security Administration announced on Monday.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that drone violations occurred in all 11 US host cities, with Miami accounting for 130 seizures and Dallas intercepting more than 70 drones during five matches.
Temporary flight restrictions prohibit all aircraft, including drones, within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above stadiums on match days unless cleared by air traffic controllers. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration has banned drone flights over official fan zones, enforcing a no-fly zone of one nautical mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level at these locations.
Authorities have cautioned that individuals violating these regulations could face penalties of up to $100,000, criminal prosecution, and drone confiscation. To enforce these rules, the FBI has deployed specialized teams around stadiums to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones.
In a notable case last week, Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a 40-year-old Mexican national, was charged with flying a drone in restricted airspace near Dallas Stadium before a match.
This intensified enforcement follows a 2025 executive order signed by former President Donald Trump aimed at bolstering US defenses against hostile drone activity. The Department of Homeland Security has also installed advanced counter-drone systems along the Texas section of the US-Mexico border.
Similar incidents have occurred at major sporting events in the past. For instance, in 2025, an individual pleaded guilty after operating a drone within restricted airspace over an NFL playoff game in Baltimore.
