Two individuals have been charged with flying unauthorized drones during the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert held at Fort York and the Bentway in downtown Toronto on Wednesday evening. The event aimed to mark the upcoming World Cup, featuring performances by notable artists including Bryan Adams and The Beaches.

The first incident involving an unauthorized drone occurred around 7:45 p.m. near Tecumseth and Niagara streets, prompting Toronto police to respond to reports of the drone. According to a social media post from the Toronto Police Service (TPS), officers successfully intercepted the drone and subsequently charged an individual under Canadian aviation regulations.

Later that evening, another unauthorized drone was spotted near Ordnance Street and Strachan Avenue at approximately 9:15 p.m. Similar to the earlier incident, TPS officers intercepted this drone as well, and a person was charged under Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Authorities have issued reminders to residents that flying unauthorized drones is strictly prohibited in restricted airspace, particularly around stadiums, team sites, the designated FIFA Fan Festival, and other secured areas. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and security of events like the FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA Countdown Concert took place simultaneously in Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles, coinciding with the official start of the FIFA World Cup, which begins in Mexico City on Thursday. Canada's first match in the tournament is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m., where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

DRONE INTERCEPTED
Niagara St. & Tecumseth St.
7:45pm
-reports of an unauthorized drone detected and intercepted by TPS officers
-individual charged under Canadian Aviation Regulations
-REMINDER: unauthorized drones are not permitted in restricted airspace around stadiums,

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) June 11, 2026