New York Pushes for Drone Defense Powers Ahead of 2026 World Cup

As the U.S. prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for a major expansion of state-level authority to counter potential drone threats, warning that the federal government is “poorly postured” to protect the public at big sports events. 

In a letter sent to President Donald Trump on July 8, Hochul noted that the New York area is set to host several high-profile events in summer 2026, calling them “prime targets” for drone-based attacks.

“The reality is that the federal government is unprepared and poorly postured to detect and mitigate UAS threats, and states are hamstrung by a lack of legislative authority,” Hochul wrote, referencing the growing threats of unnamed aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. 

These concerns are not far fetched. 

Her letter follows eight months of unexplained drone sightings over parts of New York and New Jersey, as well as recent warnings from NYPD officials about the city’s limited ability to respond to suspicious drone activity.

A recent 60 Minutes segment detailed incidents of undetected drones over critical U.S. military sites, including one base in Virginia for 17 consecutive nights, forcing the relocation of advanced fighter jets.

On June 6, Trump signed an executive order establishing the Federal Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty, dedicated to combating criminal and foreign misuse of drones and expanding training programs ahead of the men’s World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The order directs federal agencies to enhance drone detection and response tactics around the country. 

Of the $1.6 billion included in Trump’s new domestic policy bill, $625 million is allocated for World Cup “security and other costs,” a response to lobbying by the host committees of the 11 U.S. cities. 

But Hochul argues that Trump’s protective measures don’t go far enough. 

While the new task force is set to focus on detection and training, states still lack the authority to intercept or neutralize potentially threatening drones. “Granting states the authority they need to improve detection and mitigation of UAS threats, in coordination with federal agencies, is no longer a matter of preference. It is a matter of urgent concern,” Hochul wrote. 

Current drone mitigation technology granted to the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation are set to expire in September 2025, less than a year before the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Hochul pointed to the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act—a bill introduced in 2023 by Sen. Gary Peters (D., Mich.)—as a pathway to expand state-level authority before that deadline.

“These detection and mitigation measures must first protect critical infrastructure like population centers, utilities, and military assets,” Hochul wrote.

By contrast, security preparations—including specifically for drones—for the 2024 Paris Olympics began months in advance. France mobilized 45,000 local and national police officers, 18,000 military personnel, and 1,800 foreign officers. Anti-drone drills were conducted well ahead of time and strict airspace restrictions were put in place.

Current FAA rules prohibit drones from flying over stadiums seating 30,000 or more during NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I games, and major races like NASCAR and IndyCar. But these restrictions don’t apply to international events like the World Cup or Olympics unless specifically designated—and so far, they haven’t been. 

With the World Cup less than a year away, Hochul believes time is running out. 

“The security of our state and the nation demands a coordinated and robust response to the challenge posed by drones,” she wrote. “I urge you to prioritize this issue and take swift action before it is too late.”

In a statement to Front Office Sports, the White House said “the safety of World Cup attendees is our top priority.” Hochul’s office declined to provide further details on her request for enhanced security.