The FBI seized more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup sites as of July 4, 2026, as part of an operation addressing airspace restrictions during the tournament. Authorities determined that the seized drones violated restricted airspace.

The bureau is monitoring drone activity near World Cup competitions and related fan fest events alongside accredited operators from local and state law enforcement. The total number of seized drones nationwide doubled in less than two weeks.

Most of these drone violations have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures. There have been 32 drone seizures outside World Cup events in Kansas City. A no-fly drone zone is in effect for three hours before and three hours after each World Cup match in Dallas.

U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price addressed the illegality and danger of flying drones in Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zones. "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," Price said.

"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," Price said.

In mid-June, federal authorities charged Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, a 33-year-old Honduran national, for allegedly piloting an unregistered drone around Dallas Stadium. During a game, Ordonez allegedly flew a DJI Mini 3 PRO drone in flight-restricted airspace. The FBI detected the drone, and a task force officer located and contacted the individual within seconds. Ordonez was charged with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operated by another person and is being detained pending trial.