Don’t come without a ticket and don’t fly drone, FBI warns for World Cup in Miami
If you plan to go to a World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies issued a warning Friday: Do not fly your drone anywhere near the stadium
The Federal Aviation Administration will impose temporary flight restrictions around all U.S. World Cup venues, including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park, officials said Friday at a press conference at the Miami FBI headquarters in Miramar.
Unauthorized drone flights will be prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius of host stadiums, up to 3,000 feet above ground level, officials said. Authorities warned that anyone caught operating a drone in restricted airspace could face confiscation of the device, up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Officials are encouraging the public to check airspace restrictions before flying and to report any suspicious or illegal drone activity.
“We encourage you to enjoy the tournament, but please leave your drone at home,” said TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl.
Stahl, along with representatives from the FBI, federal aviation agencies and state and local law enforcement, outlined security measures they were taking in advance of the World Cup tournament, which opens in South Florida with Saudi Arabia playing Uruguay on June 11 at Hard Rock.
“You cannot coordinate in a crisis if you have not built the relationships and the systems before the crisis occurs,” said Andrew Bailey, the FBI’s deputy director. “The partnerships you see in front of you are ironclad, and we will work tirelessly to address any issues swiftly to ensure public safety.”
READ MORE: Here’s a guide to the seven World Cup teams (and their fans) headed to Miami
Miami is one of 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 nations and 104 matches. The tournament’s first match at Hard Rock will be June 11, with Saudi Arabia playing Uruguay.
Security concerns intensified after the 2024 Copa América final, when thousands of fans breached security checkpoints, jumped fences and forced their way into Hard Rock Stadium, creating mayhem and delays before the match. In total, 27 people were arrested, while another 55 were ejected from the stadium. Several police officers and security personnel also sustained cuts and bruises during the incidents.
READ MORE: Lax security for walk-ins led to breach, chaos at Hard Rock Stadium’s Copa America final
About 600 officers were initially assigned to cover the stadium’s entrances, interior perimeter and seating areas. As crowds outside the venue swelled, officials brought in an additional 200 law enforcement officers during the early afternoon.
Officials said Friday that the lessons learned from the Copa América melee have shaped World Cup planning, though they didn’t reveal specific security measures.
“I don’t want to get into tactics, techniques and procedures,” Bailey said when asked whether ticketless fans would be allowed near the stadium — an issue that contributed to the chaos at the Copa América final. “The law enforcement professionals that stand with us here today in partnership with their federal colleagues have the experience and the intelligence necessary, and the manpower and equipment necessary, to mitigate those risks,” Bailey said. He said security zones will be in place and urged those without tickets to avoid traveling to match venues, encouraging them to attend designated fan events if they can’t get tickets to the matches.
When questioned about the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Bailey pointed to President Trump’s executive order that details how each federal government entity fits into the tournament’s security structure. “The minute the president put pen to paper – his executive agencies – under his direction and leadership, instantly began operationalizing that vision,” said Bailey. “We’re going to facilitate that in cooperation and coordination with all federal law enforcement agencies and in compliance with federal statute.”
The FBI also said there are no specific credible threats at this time, but warned of ongoing cyber scams targeting ticket buyers.