US FBI tightens drone rules for 2026 World Cup stadiums

The FBI issued a warning that any unauthorized drone flights within three miles of FIFA World Cup 2026 venues in the United States will result in criminal prosecution, equipment seizure and fines of up to $100,000. The Federal Aviation Administration has established temporary flight‑restriction zones over stadiums, training centers and fan areas, and more than 60 local, state and federal law‑enforcement agencies have received joint anti‑drone training.

Officials said drones could be used as weapons, citing the war in Ukraine as a testbed for hostile drone tactics. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security allocated $250 million to help states prepare, and the FBI has deployed technology that can detect drones up to 25 miles away. While the FBI will not shoot down drones over crowds because of debris risks, it can electronically disable or track them. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch warned that “the threat of drones keeps me up at night,” echoing concerns shared by the National Security Secretary and other federal leaders.