The Federal Aviation Administration has activated comprehensive no-drone zones and temporary flight restrictions around every U.S. venue hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, fan events, and team base camps.
On May 28, 2026, the FAA announced the measures in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice. The restrictions apply to all aircraft, including drones, and take effect June 11, 2026, ahead of opening matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and other sites.
Match-day rules prohibit any unmanned aircraft within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around stadiums unless cleared by air traffic control. Fan zones and base camps, such as the Ecuador camp in Columbus, Ohio, receive a one-nautical-mile, 1,000-foot ceiling. Venues in Santa Clara at Levi’s Stadium and Arlington at AT&T Stadium fall under identical parameters.
Violators face civil penalties up to $100,000, aircraft seizure, and potential criminal prosecution. Joint FBI and FAA teams will deploy detection and interception assets to identify and neutralize unauthorized flights in real time.
"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," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
The agency issued a direct warning that operators should expect immediate enforcement action in restricted airspace. Security planners note that these layered temporary flight restrictions complement existing stadium security perimeters and integrate with counter-unmanned aircraft systems already fielded by local law enforcement.
Operators requiring access must file for authorization through established FAA channels well in advance; ad-hoc requests on match days will not be accommodated. The restrictions remain in place through the conclusion of the tournament in July 2026.
