United States authorities have confiscated more than 300 unauthorised drones at FIFA World Cup 2026 venues since the tournament kicked off earlier this month, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

On matchdays, all aircraft — including drones — are banned within a three-mile radius of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above them. Fan zones are subject to the same restrictions, which were introduced as safety measures to protect spectators on the ground and to guard against potential terrorist threats.

A TSA spokesperson told BBC Sport that enforcement is "swift and proactive," describing the operation as "the most comprehensive airspace security and drone mitigation effort in US history for the Fifa World Cup 2026."

FBI operations on the ground

FBI teams have been deployed around World Cup stadiums to detect and neutralise unauthorised drones. Anyone caught violating the no-fly zones can face fines of up to $100,000 (£75,000), seizure of equipment, and criminal charges.

Last week in Kansas City, Missouri, a joint FBI-led operation with other law enforcement agencies resulted in the confiscation of eight drones and their controllers. The violations occurred near Kansas City Stadium and a FIFA fan zone. Two drone operators also received violation notices from the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS).

The crackdown forms part of a broader security framework. In 2024, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at strengthening US defences against drone attacks.

Spy drone suspicions in Mexico

Security concerns have extended beyond United States soil. Ahead of South Korea's second Group A fixture against co-hosts Mexico last week, the Mexican military reportedly intercepted and downed an unregistered drone spotted flying over South Korea's training base in Guadalajara, Mexico. The South Korean camp is said to have suspected the drone was being used for espionage.

The incident echoes a high-profile scandal from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, when Canada's women's football team was found to have used a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session before their opening match. Head coach Bev Priestman was dismissed by Canada Soccer, two coaching staff members were suspended, and the team — who had won gold at the 2020 Games — were docked six points.