United States authorities have announced a ban on drone flights over stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup matches and related fan events during the tournament scheduled to begin on June 11.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) disclosed the restrictions in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, would be prohibited from flying within three nautical miles (5.6 kilometres) of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet (900 metres) above ground level on match days.
The agency added that no-fly zones would also apply to fan events organised by host cities at stadiums and other designated locations. These restrictions will cover a radius of one nautical mile and extend up to 1,000 feet above ground level.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the measures were aimed at protecting the airspace as fans from around the world gather for the global football tournament.
“As fans from around the world gather at stadiums and fan events across the country for the FIFA World Cup, the FAA is using every available tool to protect the airspace, including stronger drone-enforcement efforts,” Bedford said.
According to the FAA, violators risk fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment, and possible federal criminal charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also confirmed its involvement in ensuring airspace security during the tournament.
Aaron Hope of the FBI’s Atlanta office said authorities would focus on creating awareness about the restrictions while deploying technology capable of identifying and locating drone operators when necessary.
“Our primary focus is that the message gets out that it is a no-drone zone,” Hope said during a press conference in Atlanta.
“Should there be the need for us to intercept a drone, we have the technology for that. We do have the technology to identify drones and then locate operators, it is something we will be doing if we need to,” he added.
The FAA said it would deploy DETER, a newly introduced enforcement initiative designed for rapid detection of drone violations, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement during the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
