"More than 300 drones were seized near the 2026 World Cup venues, according to the TSA"

“n

Contents

U.S. federal officials have seized more than 300 drones near World Cup venues since the tournament began, reported the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), cited by Reuters and KTLA 5.

n” “n

The agency wrote in a post on X: “TSA Federal Air Marshals, working with state and federal partners, have seized more than 300 drones during the 2026 FIFA World Cup events so far. Flying a drone in a restricted zone is a federal crime and can result in fines of up to USD 100,000, prison time, and confiscation of the drone”.

n” “n

No-drone zone: FAA restrictions for the 2026 World Cup

n” “n

Before the start of the event, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched the DETER initiative, an acronym for Drone-Enabled Targeted Enforcement Response, to accelerate the identification of violations and the enforcement of drone regulations.

n” “n

Under this reinforced control, the government entity imposed temporary flight restrictions and declared no-drone zones over stadiums and in areas linked to fans, with the aim of protecting players, attendees, and staff during match days and related official activities.

n” “n

We recommend reading:Authorities intervene in the planting of more than 15,000 marijuana plants in San José de Ocoa

n” “n

Operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization may face fines of up to USD 100,000, confiscation of the drone, federal criminal charges, and the possibility of immediate arrest.

n” “n

Federal law enforcement agencies are legally authorized to employ specialized mitigation tools to address unauthorized flights. These capabilities allow for the detection, tracking, and assessment of irregular drone activity, as well as the removal of aircraft from restricted airspace while preserving evidence for potential enforcement actions.

n” “n

The agency indicated that it is acting in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice for stadiums and related events across the country. Likewise, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement are participating in the active surveillance of the airspace. Operators who enter the restricted airspace of the 2026 World Cup without authorization may face fines of up to USD 100,000, confiscation of the drone, and federal criminal charges (AP Photo).

n” “n

Where it is forbidden to fly drones

n” “n

The measure covers a total ban on flight operations, including drones, within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the host stadiums, unless expressly authorized by air traffic control.

n” “n

Restrictions apply to the stadiums where World Cup matches will be played in the following locations and dates:

n” “n

SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, California): June 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 28, July 2, 10.
Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California): June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, July 1.
Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington): June 15, 19, 24, 26, July 1 and 6.
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas): June 14, 17, 22, 25, 27, 30, July 3, 6, 14.
NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas): June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, July 4.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia): June 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, July 1, 7, 15.
Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA): June 13, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29, July 9.
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida): June 15, 21, 24, 27, July 3, 11, 18.
Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri): June 16, 20, 25, 27, July 3, 11.
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey): June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27, 30, July 5, 19.
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): June 14, 19, 22, 25, 27, July 4.

n” “n

FAA restrictions establish no-drone zones over stadiums and fan spaces to protect players, attendees, and staff (REUTERS/Daniel Cole).

n” “n

In certain locations where events for fans are held, additional restrictions also apply: drone flights are not permitted within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet in altitude, unless specifically permitted. The locations are as follows

n” “n

LA Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, California): June 10 to 15.
Dallas Fair Park (Dallas, Texas): June 11-30, July 1-7, 9-11, 14, 15, 18, 19.
East Downtown District (Houston, Texas): June 11-30, July 1-7, 9-11, 14, 15, 18, 19.
Centennial Olympic Park (Atlanta, Georgia): June 11-15, 17-21, 24, 26, 27, July 1, 7, 14, 15.
City Hall Plaza (Boston, MA): June 11 to 26.
Bayfront Park (Miami, Florida): June 13 to 30 and July 1 to 5.
National WWI Museum and Memorial (Kansas City, Missouri): June 9, 11-14, 16, 19-21, 24-27, July 1, 3, 4-7, 9-12.
Sports Illustrated Stadium (Harrison, New Jersey): June 13 to 30 and July 11 to 19.
Louis Armstrong Stadium (Flushing, New York): June 11 to 27.
Emily Warren Roebling (Brooklyn Plaza, New York): June 13 to 19.
Rockefeller Center (New York, NY): July 4 to 19.
Lemon Hill Park (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): June 11 to 30 and July 1 to 19.