United States government has banned drone flights over stadiums hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as fan event venues across the country.
The restriction, announced Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, will take effect on match days throughout the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 and runs until July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to the FAA, all aircraft, including drones, will be prohibited from flying within three nautical miles (5.6 kilometres) of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above ground level unless specifically authorised.
The agency also disclosed that separate no-fly zones would cover fan events organised by host cities at stadiums and other designated venues. Those restrictions will extend to a one nautical mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the measures were aimed at protecting the airspace as millions of football fans converge on the United States for the global 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.
Authorities warned that violators could face fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment and possible federal criminal charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, also confirmed it would support enforcement operations during the tournament.
Aaron Hope of the FBI’s Atlanta office said authorities possess technology capable of identifying drones and tracing their operators.
“Our primary focus is that the message gets out that it is a no-drone zone,” Hope said.à
“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.”
The FAA said it would deploy a new enforcement initiative known as DETER, designed to enable rapid detection of drone violations, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement during the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on July 19.
