More than two dozen drones have been seized for violations of flight restrictions at FIFA World Cup events in Los Angeles, according to statistics from the FBI and TSA.
The number updated Wednesday includes violations in the restricted area around Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, where eight World Cup matches were scheduled. At least 28 drone seizures were reported around the stadium and at other World Cup events in Los Angeles.
At least 29 citations were issued.
Flying unauthorized drones near stadiums or fan festivals, like the four-day event that kicked off the tournament at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, is a federal crimes. Violations can results in penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and one yea in federal prison.
In Dallas, at least 33 drones were seized at or near World Cup events, according to the FBI’s Dallas field office. At least 28 drones were seized around World Cup venues in Miami, according to authorities.
Drones also were seized for World Cup violations in other U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Seattle.
About the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup group stage lasts until June 27, then the top two teams in each group along with the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32 beginning on June 28.
The remaining winning teams will then play in the Round of 16 starting on July 4. The quarterfinals will be held on July 9, and the semifinals will be July 14 and July 15, leading up to the championship match at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament, is one of the venues that will host the international soccer tournament. There are five group stage matches at the stadium and three knockout phase games
June 12: USA 4, Paraguay 1
June 15: Iran 2, New Zealand 2
June 18: Switzerland v. Bosnia and Herzegovina
June 21: Belgium v. Iran
June 25: USA v. Türkiye
June 28: Round of 32 match
July 2: Round of 32 match
July 10: Quarterfinal
Other U.S. host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the Bay Area.
Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey are Mexico’s host cities. Toronto and Vancouver will host matches in Canada.
NBC News’ Andrew Blankstein contributed to this report.