United States federal agents have arrested one person and seized eight drones, along with controllers, for violating temporary flight restrictions during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match at Kansas City Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival on Tuesday. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri, stated that a “joint operation intercepted eight drones yesterday during FIFA World Cup 2026 events at Kansas City Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival for violations of temporary flight restrictions”.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that airspace restrictions would be in place across stadiums in the U.S. during World Cup matches and over FIFA Fan Festival venues on each day of the tournament. 

Also, the agency warned World Cup tourists against flying drones in restricted airspace, and drone pilots must obtain the necessary permits before operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 

Speaking further on Tuesday’s inter-agency operation carried out by the Federal Air Marshal Service, FBI-Kansas City, and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) joint team, the attorney’s office revealed that two drone operators were issued notice of violation. 

Additionally, one female suspect, who had been on the run from five outstanding arrest warrants, was apprehended by law enforcement officers during the operation. 

“All eight drones and controllers were seized by the FBI. Two drone operators were issued misdemeanour violation notices by FAMS. The counter-drone operation also resulted in the apprehension of a female wanted on six outstanding arrest warrants,” the attorney’s office mentioned.

The office noted that since the opening day of the tournament on June 11, law enforcement officers have detected 19 drones in restricted airspaces around Kansas City Stadium, Fan Festival and other events, leading to the confiscation of 14 drone seizures and five federal criminal citations. 

Commenting on the operation, the U.S. Attorney Matthew Price vowed that the United States government will continue to hold violators of temporary flight restrictions responsible. 

“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. 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,” Mr Price said.