Temporary flight restrictions will cover stadiums, fan events, team hotels, training sites, and base camps during FIFA World Cup 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced extensive temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) for FIFA World Cup 2026 events across the United States, creating what the agency is calling “No Drone Zones” around stadiums, fan festivals, and team facilities. The restrictions are part of a broader federal security effort for one of the largest sporting events ever held in North America.
The tournament begins June 11 and runs through July 19, with the United States hosting the majority of the competition’s matches. The expanded tournament format will bring 48 national teams and millions of visitors to 11 U.S. host cities.
For drone operators, the FAA’s message is straightforward: do not fly near World Cup venues.
Restrictions Extend Beyond Stadiums
According to the FAA, match-day restrictions will prohibit all aircraft operations, including drones, within a three-nautical-mile radius of World Cup stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above ground level unless specifically authorized by air traffic control.
The restrictions will not be limited to match venues.
The FAA says additional protected areas will include fan festivals, team hotels, base camps, and training facilities. Fan event locations will generally carry their own restrictions, with drone flights prohibited within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level.
In announcing the restrictions, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that enforcement will be a significant part of the agency’s World Cup security strategy.
“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,” Bedford said. “Drone operators should expect swift action if they violate restricted airspace.”
The FAA noted that the list of protected locations could change and that additional sites may be added as tournament operations evolve.
New Enforcement Program Will Be Used
The announcement also highlights the FAA’s recently launched Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) initiative. The agency says the program is designed to accelerate the identification of drone violations and enforcement actions against operators who enter restricted airspace.
Federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, FBI, and local law enforcement partners will support enforcement efforts. Federal authorities have legal authority to use specialized counter-drone tools to detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized drone operations during major events.
Operators who violate the restrictions could face significant penalties. The FAA warns that unauthorized flights may result in fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of the drone, and potential criminal charges.
Another Example of Growing Airspace Security Requirements
For the drone industry, the World Cup restrictions represent another example of how major public events are driving expanded airspace security measures.
While temporary flight restrictions around major sporting events are not new, the scale of the World Cup presents a unique challenge. The tournament will involve dozens of venues and associated locations spread across multiple states over more than a month.
The announcement also reflects a broader trend toward increased scrutiny of unauthorized drone activity around critical infrastructure, public gatherings, and high-profile events. Recent years have seen heightened federal attention on counter-UAS capabilities, particularly as public safety agencies and federal partners prepare for major events including the World Cup and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
The FAA is advising drone pilots to review Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and official World Cup flight advisories before operating anywhere near tournament activities. Because team facilities, training grounds, and fan events may change throughout the tournament, operators should not assume that airspace outside a stadium remains unrestricted.
Read more:
- Texas DPS Launches Counter-UAS Strategy for World Cup
- Kansas City Builds a World Cup-Era Drone Defense Network
- Lawmakers Urge Expanded National Guard Role for Drone Security at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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