An aerial image shows Los Angeles Stadium, temporarily renamed from SoFi Stadium, and the KIA Forum (Rear) ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Inglewood, California, on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
United States authorities have announced a temporary ban on drone operations around stadiums and official fan zones during the FIFA World Cup scheduled to begin on June 11.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the restriction will apply on match days, covering a three-nautical-mile radius around stadiums and extending up to 3,000 feet above ground level unless special authorization is granted.
Fan events organized by host cities will also have separate no-fly restrictions within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet in altitude.
“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,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.
Authorities warned that anyone caught violating the restrictions could face fines of up to $100,000, seizure of equipment and possible federal criminal prosecution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also confirmed it would support security operations, with Aaron Hope of the FBI’s Atlanta office stating: “Our primary focus is that the message gets out that it is a no-drone zone.”
Hope added, “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,” as officials revealed that the FAA’s new DETER enforcement system will be deployed throughout the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
