FAA establishes no drone zones for FIFA World Cup 2026: Here’s what you need to know
May 29, 2026
Yesterday, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) published details of “No Drone Zones” for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FAA establishes “No Drone Zones” for FIFA
The FAA is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to establish temporary flight restrictions over the stadiums hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. The restrictions also extend to fan events across the nation.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said, “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 added, “Drone operators should expect swift action if they violate restricted airspace.”
We are on countdown to the @fifa World Cup 2026 and the FAA is keeping the skies safe! #NoDroneZones will be in effect around stadiums, fan events and base camps. Violators could face steep fines, drone confiscation and criminal charges. Protecting the airspace and fans across… pic.twitter.com/oLgYTgv7qx
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) May 28, 2026
The restrictions (unless otherwise stated) will be in effect on match days and apply to all aircraft. The No Drone Zones will extend to a 3-nautical-mile radius around the stadium and extend up to 3,000 feet above ground level.
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FAA enforcement of the No Drone Zone
Those caught violating these restrictions face fines of up to $100,000, drone confiscation, and criminal charges.
The FAA also notes it has recently launched its Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) initiative, which is aimed at accelerating the identification and enforcement of drone violations.
DETER is to be used at the FIFA World Cup.
| FIFA Match venues | City, State | Dates (2026) |
| SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA | June 12,15, 18, 21, 25, 28, July 2, 10 |
| Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA | June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, July 1 |
| Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | June 15, 19, 24, 26, July 1, 6 |
| AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX | June 14, 17, 22, 25, 27, 30, July 3, 6, 14 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston, TX | June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, July 4 |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | June 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, July 1, 7, 15 |
| Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, MA | June 13, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29, July 9 |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami, FL | June 15, 21, 24, 27, July 3, 11, 18 |
| Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO | June 16, 20, 25, 27, July 3, 11 |
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ | June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27, 30, July 5, 19 |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | June 14, 19, 22, 25, 27, July 4 |
The FAA says, “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.”
Some FIFA-associated locations will have No Drone Zones of 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet. The locations are subject to change, and more sites may be added. There will also be restrictions on locations like team hotels, training facilities, and base camps.
Canadian and Mexican FIFA drone restrictions
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by the US (11 cities), Mexico (three cities), and Canada (two cities). In 2025, the Unmanned Airspace reported that the three countries are cooperating on efforts to counter drone threats during the tournament.
The FAA only has jurisdiction in the United States, with Nav Canada issuing drone-related FIFA restrictions in Canada and the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) doing the same in Mexico.
Nav Canada has airspace restrictions over its key venues and fan areas in the host cities of Toronto and Vancouver. These include a 1.3 nautical mile radius around Exhibition Place in Toronto, with similar restrictions around Downsview Park and Centennial Park.
Drones are typically prohibited below 2,500 feet. Only authorised operators like the police, military, and official FIFA drones are permitted to fly drones in these areas.
Mexico has similar restrictions around its FIFA-hosting stadiums in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, as well as fan festivals, official hotels, training areas, and other FIFA sites of interest.
Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense has also said it is deploying counter-drone systems at key venues.
Featured Image: FAA
