NORAD Fighter Jets Escort Multiple Aircraft Out Of Restricted Airspace During World Cup Final

More than 10 aircraft entered restricted airspace during the World Cup final, prompting NORAD to deploy F-16 fighters and safely escort three aircraft away.

John Rigolizzo

Published: 7/21/2026, 4:19:16 AM EDT

NORAD Fighter Jets Escort Multiple Aircraft Out Of Restricted Airspace During World Cup Final — A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off for a mission during Operation Epic Fury, March 14, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted multiple aircraft over the skies of New Jersey on July 19.

NORAD announced that more than 10 aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions over MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford and the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, where President Donald Trump has a residence. Trump was in the area to attend the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to a press release from the Department of War's Defense Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS), the incidents took place on the day of the final, July 19. There were more than 10 incidents of aircraft violating the restricted airspace; in three of those incidents, F-16s had to be deployed to intercept the aircraft. In two of those three intercept missions, the fighters utilized flares to draw the pilots' attention. All three intercepted aircraft were safely escorted out of restricted airspace by NORAD aircraft.

NORAD announced the closing of airspace over the New York-New Jersey metropolitan areas July 17, extending through July 19.

“USNORTHCOM’s mission to provide defense support of civil authorities remains a critical responsibility, and we have been supporting lead federal agencies during World Cup 2026,” Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, said in the announcement. “NORAD’s mission to defend the skies of the United States and Canada never stops. We stand watch twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, which allows us to seamlessly secure major international events like the World Cup so fans can focus on the sport. Our support demonstrates the quiet, behind-the-scenes work our commands do every day to keep the skies secure.”

Drone in Restricted Airspace

This comes as the Department of Homeland Security on July 17 announced the arrest of an illegal alien who was caught flying a drone in restricted airspace near one of the World Cup matches in Kansas City, Missouri on July 3.

Jose Gerardo Garrido-Benitez, an illegal alien from Mexico with an extended criminal history including prior convictions for felony forgery and driving while intoxicated, and prior arrests for battery, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and possession of opiates, opium, or narcotic drugs. Garrido-Benitez illegally crossed the border in California in 2003 and was deported. He later re-entered the country at an unknown date and location. An immigration judge issued a final order of detention in February 2005.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Garrido-Benitez on July 6 and seized the drone. He is still in ICE custody pending removal.

“This criminal illegal alien dangerously flew a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Kansas City, Missouri,” DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.

“His lengthy criminal history includes driving while intoxicated, forgery, battery, and possession of drugs. The Trump Administration will not allow illegal aliens to threaten the safety and security of the American people. We will continue to guarantee the safety of all who attend these historic games as the World Cup comes to an end.”