Federal authorities in the United States have seized eight drones, issued violation notices to two operators and arrested a woman wanted on multiple warrants during a security operation linked to FIFA World Cup 2026 events in Kansas City.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri said on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that the action followed drone violations recorded on Tuesday, at Kansas City Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival.
Officials said the drones were flown in restricted airspace in breach of temporary flight restrictions imposed for World Cup venues.
The operation was conducted by the Federal Air Marshal Service, FBI Kansas City and the Kansas City Police Department’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems unit.
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All eight drones and their controllers were seized. Two operators received misdemeanor violation notices.
A woman wanted on multiple outstanding warrants was also arrested during the operation.
Since the tournament began on June 11, 2026, authorities have recorded 19 drone incursions around Kansas City venues, resulting in the seizure of 14 drones and five federal criminal citations.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Price said enforcement would continue throughout the tournament, warning that illegal drone operations in restricted airspace are dangerous and punishable under federal law.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has triggered heightened security across host cities, with agencies deploying counter-drone systems around stadiums and fan zones.