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For millions of soccer fans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup was all about packed stadiums, dramatic matches, and unforgettable moments. Behind the scenes, however, another battle was unfolding in the skies.
The US Department of Transportation has revealed that federal, state, and local agencies carried out what officials are calling the largest airspace security and counter-drone operation in US history during the tournament. Their efforts resulted in the seizure of more than 700 unauthorized drones that entered restricted airspace around FIFA World Cup venues.
The massive security operation stretched across all 11 US host cities and is now being positioned as a blueprint for protecting future high-profile events, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The numbers alone highlight the scale of the operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established nearly 250 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) covering stadiums, fan festivals, team hotels, and training facilities. Those no-drone zones were backed by extensive enforcement from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FAA, and local law enforcement agencies.
