The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday said that it will “bar drones over FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the U.S., to fortify security.” During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are “prohibited within a radius of three nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums unless specifically authorized by air traffic controllers.” Drones will be “barred within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level for fan events throughout the country.” The FAA said that drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval can “face fines of up to $100,000, along with criminal charges and confiscation of the drone” (REUTERS, 5/28). In addition to match days and fan festivals, restrictions will “also be in place in other locations including team hotels, base camps and training facilities” (USA TODAY, 5/28).
FAA banning drones over World Cup matches, related events
