FBI: We have seized over 600 drones flying over stadiums where World Cup matches were held

2026-07-06 09:42:01Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

FBI: We have seized over 600 drones flying over stadiums where World Cup matches

The FBI has reported that since the start of the World Cup, more than 600 drones have been flying over stadium airspace. 99 of the drones intercepted flew over Miami, 77 over Atlanta and 32 over Kansas City.

In a statement to X, the law enforcement agency said the drones had been intercepted in all 11 US host cities by the FBI and the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The FBI, ahead of the tournament, announced that it would implement a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy on restricting drone flights, which includes temporary restrictions on flying in or around stadiums and venues associated with viewing matches.

He warned that violations could result in civil fines of up to $75,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, up to a year in prison and seizure of any drones involved.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $625 million to support safety and emergency preparedness. But only the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has been designated a National Special Safety Event, or NSSE.

This designation triggers a federal operation led by the Secret Service, with intelligence from the FBI and emergency coordination from FEMA, including reinforced security perimeters, magnetometric screening, FAA-enforced TFRs, anti-drone systems, and ongoing counterterrorism monitoring by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Cities in Mexico and Canada have also hosted World Cup matches during the tournament.


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