Heightened Security Measures for the World Cup Semifinals in Atlanta

Atlanta is preparing for significant security operations ahead of the World Cup semifinals between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are using drones to identify threats on both the ground and in the air. The FBI is enforcing Federal Aviation Administration‘s Temporary Flight Restrictions around the venue. Since the start of the World Cup, over 600 drones have been seized nationwide by the FBI, with 86 confiscated in Atlanta alone.

Special Agent Marlo Graham from the FBI Atlanta Field Office stated that agents use a specific mechanism to detect unauthorized drones within restricted airspace. They then mitigate any threats posed by these drones. Graham emphasized that every drone poses a potential threat, with the risk level rising based on the drone’s size and proximity to the stadium.

“We’ve been able to safely land drones that have been unauthorized in the flight restricted area,” Graham said.

The closed dome of the Atlanta stadium is crucial in maintaining safety, as disruptions from drone hobbyists might impact the game, according to Graham.

The Atlanta Police Department’s Drone Unit collaborates with the FBI to track individuals flying drones in restricted zones. Sgt. Kindu Franklin specified that most offenders are hobbyists who lack harmful intentions, as many purchased drones specifically for FIFA footage.

Franklin added, “In some cases, they just recently bought a drone just for FIFA to get some of the cool footage that they want to put up on their social media. There are different ways that you can weaponize these drones. So, we’re operating in a proactive manner.”

For the World Cup, the Atlanta Police Department’s drone mission centers on surveillance. Officers monitor for threats, traffic issues, and illegal drone activity.

Sgt. James Cunningham explained that drones launch remotely via handheld controllers. Drones are also launched from docks strategically placed throughout the city. Officers manage these drones using a computer and PlayStation controller from the back of an SUV.

Pilot Anais Paredes noted, “We train for the environment. We live here, so we know what to expect.” Since June, the drone unit has completed over 1,400 flights, logging over 550 flight hours.

The FBI urges hobbyists to be aware of Temporary Flight Restrictions before flying drones. Restrictions include a one-mile radius around stadiums on non-match days and a three-mile radius on game days.

Asher Redd, a Multimedia Reporter based in Nashville, joined Fox News in 2025.