The Federal Aviation Administration will enforce a World Cup drone ban over FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the United States, officials said Thursday.
The FAA said all aircraft operations, including drones, will be prohibited within three nautical miles of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet above ground level on match days unless air traffic controllers authorise them.
Drones will also be barred within one nautical mile of fan events and up to 1,000 feet above ground level across the country.
The agency said drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval could face fines of up to USD 100,000, criminal charges and confiscation of the drone.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation will deploy drone-mitigation teams around World Cup stadiums as an added security measure.
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New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department had received new authority to work with federal partners against credible drone threats at major events. She said New York had bought USD 6.5 million in drone-mitigation equipment.
Lawmakers and security officials have raised concerns after drone incidents near airports and major sports events, including the NFL’s AFC Championship game in Baltimore and the Boston Marathon.
