ATLANTA — The FBI and Atlanta Police Department (APD) have launched a significant security operation targeting unauthorized drones flying near World Cup venues, particularly ahead of the semifinals match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 14, 2026.

Both agencies are deploying drones to monitor potential threats both on the ground and in the air. The FBI is actively enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's Temporary Flight Restrictions around the stadium.

Since the World Cup began, the FBI has confiscated over 600 drones nationwide, with Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office Marlo Graham reporting that 86 of these were seized in Atlanta alone. Graham explained that the FBI uses a specialized "mechanism" enabling agents to detect unauthorized drones in restricted airspace and has successfully landed such drones safely.

Kindu Franklin noted that most individuals caught flying drones near World Cup venues are hobbyists without malicious intent, often purchasing drones recently to capture footage for social media. However, authorities remain vigilant due to the potential for drones to be weaponized, emphasizing a proactive approach to security.

The APD drone unit has conducted more than 1,400 flights and logged over 550 flight hours since early June. Anais Paredes, an APD drone pilot, stated, "We live here, so we know what to expect," underscoring local expertise in managing the security operation.

Authorities also highlighted the advantage of Atlanta Stadium's closed dome structure in managing crowd safety. Officials expressed concern about the impact of uncontrolled hobbyist drones during critical moments of the game, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure environment for players and fans alike.

Sources