FBI Seizes Over 90 Drones in World Cup Security Crackdown in South Florida

An extensive security operation for the 2026 World Cup in South Florida has resulted in the seizure of more than 90 drones that violated temporary flight restrictions. The FBI's Miami field office reported the confiscations, emphasizing the ongoing effort to maintain secure airspace during the international tournament.

This enforcement action is a component of a broader, coordinated strategy involving the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and multiple other security agencies. Their collective goal is to meticulously manage the airspace surrounding stadiums and official event locations throughout the World Cup.

“

The FBI Miami office and our partners are actively enforcing the no-drone zones around the venues. To date, we have seized 98 drones.

"The FBI Miami office and our partners are actively enforcing the no-drone zones around the venues. To date, we have seized 98 drones," the FBI stated in a Facebook post. Nationally, the number of confiscated drones related to the World Cup now surpasses 500, spanning all 11 U.S. host cities. FBI Director Kash Patel noted, "This is exactly what we had envisioned: working with our interagency partners across the board to mitigate the threat of drones and ensure the safety of every match, every fan, and every athlete during these historic games."

Specific restricted areas in Miami include the Hard Rock Stadium, with limitations in effect until July 18, and the Fan Festival venue at Bayfront Park, where drone operations are prohibited until July 5. Authorities utilize technological systems authorized by the Department of Justice to detect, track, intercept, and confiscate unauthorized drones, viewing their presence in restricted zones as a significant safety risk.

“

This is exactly what we had envisioned: working with our interagency partners across the board to mitigate the threat of drones and ensure the safety of every match, every fan, and every athlete during these historic games.