Federal authorities have activated comprehensive temporary flight restrictions barring drone operations near all FIFA World Cup 2026 match venues.
The Federal Aviation Administration established these temporary flight restrictions in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement agencies. The measures create a cylindrical no-fly zone extending three nautical miles from each stadium and up to 3,000 feet above ground level.
Restrictions activate June 11, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, and Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing, New York. Additional venues hosting matches will operate under identical parameters on match days.
Violations carry fines up to $100,000, immediate drone confiscation, federal criminal charges, and imprisonment for as long as one year. The FAA Newsroom announcement emphasizes that enforcement will be immediate and coordinated across multiple agencies.
Christopher Raia, FBI Co-Deputy Director, added, "Planning to fly your drone at a World Cup match? Think again."
Security professionals responsible for venue protection are advised to integrate drone detection and mitigation systems with FAA monitoring protocols. Operators must consult the B4UFLY application for real-time airspace status before any flight in affected regions.
The FBI.gov public service announcement details the interagency command structure supporting enforcement. Local sheriff offices and highway patrol units have received specific guidance on response procedures for detected incursions.
