Over 600 drones have now been seized near World Cup sites
USA falls to Belgium in FIFA World Cup, 4-1
The U.S. Men's National Team suffered a tough loss to Belgium on Monday night in Seattle, and USC Professor Douglas Becker joined Adam Llorens on LiveNOW from FOX to chat more about the political ramifications surrounding Team USA.
WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration now says that more than 600 drones have been seized near FIFA World Cup sites since the tournament began last month.
TSA says 600 drones seized near World Cup sites
What they're saying:
In a statement shared with FOX Local, a TSA spokesperson confirmed the seizure.
"Federal, state, and local partners have implemented the most comprehensive airspace security and drone mitigation effort in U.S. history for the FIFA World Cup 2026, resulting in the seizure of over 600 unauthorized drones to date," the spokesperson said.
Authorities say unauthorized flights are putting public safety at risk—and violators could face steep fines, drone confiscation and criminal charges. (Credit: Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
The FBI said drones have been seized from restricted airspace across all 11 U.S. host cities, with 130 drones being seized in Miami alone, and over 70 in Dallas during five matches, according to Reuters.
All FIFA World Cup stadiums are ‘no drone zones’
Dig deeper:
As outlined on the Federal Aviation Administration's website, all FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums are "no drone zones."
A "No Drone Zone" means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the designated airspace and surrounding grounds.
During major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, the FAA implements Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to limit air travel and secure the airspace.
The FAA said taking off, landing, or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a violation of federal and local regulations.
RELATED: FBI seizes 39 drones for violating World Cup flight restrictions over Dallas Stadium, Fair Park
If a person flies a drone without authorization, they could face civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation or criminal fines up to $100,000, drone confiscation or criminal prosecution.
Additionally, drone operators at certain World Cup fan-event locations will also face restrictions. Drones are "prohibited within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level" at several locations, including the L.A. Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles and Rockefeller Center in New York City.
8 drones intercepted during FIFA World Cup events in Kansas City
The backstory:
Last month, a TSA spokesperson said that the federal government, led by the White House Task Force, and in partnership with the FBI, DHS, TSA, FAA, along with state and local law enforcement, implemented a comprehensive airspace security and drone mitigation effort for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
At that time, the spokesperson said the effort resulted in "the seizure of more than 300 unauthorized drones to date."
On June 18, the TSA also reported that eight drones were intercepted during FIFA World Cup events at Kansas City Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival for violations of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
All eight drones and controllers were seized by the FBI. Two drone operators were issued misdemeanor violation notices by FAMS. The counter-drone operation also resulted in the apprehension of a female wanted on six outstanding arrest warrants.
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"Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous. My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone free," said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. ""If you see a drone breaking the rules, report it. If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice because violators will be held accountable by the Department of Justice."
If someone spots unsafe drone activity, they can report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026
What's next:
Outside of watching FOX on live broadcast TV, there are several options audiences can choose from to enjoy the soccer matches.
One free option is through FIFA+ and select YouTube streams.
Other paid options include:
- FOX One
- FOX Sports 1
- Fubo
- YouTube TV
- FOX Sports app
- Hulu+ LiveTV
- Peacock (Spanish-language)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an expanded 48-team tournament featuring 104 matches taking place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four with each team playing its group stage opponents for a total of three first-round games per side.
When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the culmination of a month-long tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by TSA. This story was reported from Los Angeles. Reuters contributed.