Security officials have confirmed that more than 1,100 drones detected at 2026 FIFA World Cup venues and related locations have been tracked so far. The latest figures highlight the extensive security measures in place for the tournament.
Speaking at the FBI-organized International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) near Washington, Andrew Giuliani said authorities have recorded 1,139 drone detections at World Cup and World Cup-related sites.
According to Giuliani, more than 300 of those drone incidents have already been mitigated. He said the drones were neutralized without using force but did not explain the methods used by security agencies.
The growing number of drones detected has made counter-drone operations a major part of security planning for the tournament. Officials are closely monitoring airspace around stadiums and other key locations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also collecting evidence from the intercepted devices. Doug Olson, the FBI’s special agent responsible for coordinating security around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said investigators have seized more than 500 drones.
These drones are being processed as evidence in ongoing FBI investigations. Officials did not provide details about the owners or the purpose of the seized devices.
The United States is co-hosting the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Authorities have invested several hundred million dollars in security, with counter-drone technology becoming one of the main priorities.
To strengthen protection, local agencies have received expanded authority to jam and intercept suspicious drones. These measures are intended to reduce security risks during the tournament.
Dozens of police officers from the 11 host cities in the United States have also completed specialized training. The training was conducted at an FBI facility to improve their ability to respond to drone-related threats.
Officials believe that strong coordination between federal and local agencies is essential for ensuring public safety throughout the competition.
Security concerns surrounding drones have increased in recent years. In mid-June, the FBI announced that it had prevented a planned attack linked to a mixed martial arts fight night held at the White House during President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations.
According to investigators, the alleged plan involved launching drones carrying explosive devices near the event. Authorities said the threat was stopped before it could be carried out.
The latest drones detected figures also reflect a wider global trend. During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, French authorities reported more than 350 drone incursions. Those incidents resulted in 81 arrests, according to the French National Assembly.
Officials say modern sporting events require advanced security because drone technology is becoming more accessible. Authorities will continue monitoring the skies throughout the FIFA World Cup to respond quickly to any potential threats.
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