Law enforcement agencies are preparing a zero-tolerance policy for drones at all 2026 World Cup venues, citing the growing threat of drone-based attacks. Officials from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local police departments have warned that drones could be used as weapons of mass destruction, especially given the rapid evolution of drone technology seen in conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, "The war in Ukraine has become a real-world testing ground for drone technology, and if there is one threat that keeps me up at night, it is from drones." Congress recently granted state and local law enforcement the authority to electronically disable or shoot down threatening drones, a power previously held only by federal agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration will enforce temporary flight restrictions around stadiums and fan zones, with violators facing fines up to $100,000, confiscation of their drones, and potential criminal charges for flying within three miles of a game. However, officials acknowledge that such penalties may not deter determined terrorists.
The FBI has invested heavily in counter-drone technology over the past seven years, including systems that can identify and take control of suspicious drones. Training has been provided to law enforcement in all World Cup host cities.
While the military has developed laser systems to shoot down drones, the FBI will not use such methods during the World Cup due to the risk of falling debris over populated areas.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin admitted that "everybody's a little behind" the rapidly evolving drone technology, noting that federal officers have successfully intercepted drones at recent events, including eight at a Formula 1 race in Miami and 12 at the Masters golf tournament. However, he expressed concern about the potential for swarms of drones or preprogrammed attacks that could bypass countermeasures.
Devin Kowalski, an FBI assistant director, emphasized the agency's aggressive approach: "When that drone comes into the TFR, we're handling it as if it's something that could hurt people, and we're aggressively locating its operator." The FBI will protect three stadiums, while other agencies like Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard will cover the rest.
Experts warn that early detection is critical, with some systems able to spot drones up to 25 miles away. However, a drone launched from less than a mile away could leave little time to react.
The threat of drone swarms, as seen in conflicts involving Iran, remains a significant concern. Despite these challenges, officials believe the preparations are robust.
Matt Sloane of SkyfireAI noted, "The threat is real, but I do think that there's a lot being done to prepare for it."