FBI reports mass drone violations near FIFA World Cup matches across US cities

US agencies have seized more than 600 drones that entered restricted airspace near FIFA World Cup venues and fan zones since the tournament began on June 11, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said on Monday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the violations were reported across all 11 US host cities, with 130 drones seized in Miami and over 70 intercepted in Dallas during five matches.

Under temporary flight restrictions, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above stadiums on match days unless specifically authorised by air traffic controllers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also banned drone flights over official fan zones. At these sites, drones are not allowed within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level.

Officials warned that operators who violate these rules could face fines of up to $100,000, criminal charges, and confiscation of their drones. The FBI has deployed teams around stadiums to detect and disable unauthorised drones.

Last week, 40-year-old Mexican national Cristobal Torres Alvarez was charged with allegedly flying a drone in restricted airspace near Dallas Stadium ahead of a match.

The crackdown comes after a 2025 executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at strengthening US defences against hostile drones. The Department of Homeland Security has also installed new counter-drone systems along the US-Mexico border in Texas.

Authorities have previously dealt with similar incidents at major sporting events. In 2025, a man pleaded guilty after flying a drone into restricted airspace over an NFL playoff game in Baltimore.