WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration, 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. These restrictions aim to protect participants and spectators during the tournament.
During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, will be prohibited within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the listed stadiums unless air traffic control provides authorization. Drone operators entering this restricted airspace without permission face fines of up to $100,000, drone confiscation, and federal criminal charges. Federal law enforcement will identify operators, seize drones, and support prosecution efforts.
The FAA recently launched the Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response initiative to accelerate the identification and enforcement of drone violations. This program will support enhanced enforcement efforts at the World Cup. Federal law enforcement is legally authorized to use specialized mitigation tools to address unauthorized drone flights. They can take action to move aircraft out of restricted airspace while preserving evidence for potential enforcement action.
Restrictions apply at specific venues including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Lumen Field in Seattle, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, NRG Stadium in Houston, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Additional restrictions apply to drones at certain World Cup fan-event locations. Unless specifically authorized, drone operations will be prohibited within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level at sites such as the LA Memorial Coliseum, Dallas Fair Park, East Downtown District in Houston, Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, City Hall Plaza in Boston, Bayfront Park in Miami, National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing, Emily Warren Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn, Rockefeller Center in New York, and Lemon Hill Park in Philadelphia.
The locations listed are subject to change, and additional sites may be added. Restrictions will also be in place in other locations including team hotels, base camps, and training facilities. Additional details are available in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Flight Advisory and on the FAA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 webpage.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.