The Federal Aviation Administration, acting in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, will establish temporary flight restrictions over stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the United States to help protect participants and spectators.
During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums unless specifically authorised by air traffic controllers.
For fan events, drones will be barred within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level.
The FAA warned that drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval can face fines of up to $100,000, as well as potential criminal charges and confiscation of their drone.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that federal law enforcement is legally authorised to use specialised mitigation tools to address unauthorised drone flights, and can take action to move aircraft out of restricted airspace while preserving evidence for potential enforcement action. Restrictions will also apply beyond match venues, covering team hotels, base camps, and training facilities.
The sweeping measures come amid growing concern about drone threats at large public gatherings. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that the department had received new authority to work with federal partners to confront credible drone threats at major events, and that the city had purchased $6.5 million in drone-mitigation equipment in recent months, warning that drones can easily be adapted as weapons of war.
The Department of Homeland Security also announced it would invest $115 million in counter-drone technologies to secure the World Cup and events marking 250 years of American independence, with the funding overseen by a new DHS office focused on rapidly buying and deploying drone and counter-drone technologies.
