FBI Dallas Warns Drone Operators of Temporary Flight Restrictions During FIFA World Cup 2026
May 28, 2026 - Planning to fly your drone in North Texas during the FIFA World Cup 2026? Be aware that the government will establish temporary flight restrictions around FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums, fan festivals, and other event locations. Flying a drone in a restricted zone is not only dangerous, but it is also a federal crime and can result in criminal fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation.
Temporary flight restrictions define a certain area of airspace where air travel—including drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—is limited for a specific period of time. Restriction details include size, altitude, date, time, and the types of operations that are restricted or permitted. All pilots are required to adhere to the restrictions.
Nine of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be played at AT&T Stadium from June 14 through July 14. Unsafe or improper use of a drone during this time frame poses a physical hazard to other aircraft and to individuals on the ground. The temporary flight restrictions are intended to protect fans, players, and critical infrastructure, such as power lines and cell phone towers, from accidents and security threats. It is prohibited to fly a drone or UAS in and around FIFA World Cup 2026 venues. Additional temporary flight restrictions are expected over Fan Fest being held at Dallas Fair Park.
The FBI is authorized by law to use counter-UAS capabilities to mitigate unauthorized drone activity within restricted airspace, while preserving evidence for potential prosecution. The FBI works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce temporary flight restrictions. This is done by using federally authorized capabilities to detect, track, and assess unauthorized drone activity that could threaten aviation safety, critical infrastructure, or public safety. At select FIFA World Cup 2026 venues, the FBI is deploying counter-UAS protection teams to support state and local law enforcement, providing layered protection against unauthorized drones.
“The FBI will use its full suite of investigative and intelligence capabilities to ensure that FIFA World Cup 2026 events are safe for all participants and attendees,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will identify drone operators who are violating temporary flight restrictions, seize their drones, and support prosecution to the fullest extent possible.”
Before every flight, drone operators should check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly. These tools provide real-time information on temporary flight restrictions, restricted airspace, and other advisories based on the operator’s location.
Media organizations, commercial operators, and public safety agencies seeking to conduct authorized drone operations within restricted airspace during FIFA World Cup 2026 events must obtain appropriate FAA authorization in advance. Operators should plan well ahead of tournament dates, as the authorization process requires lead time.
If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Together, let’s keep the skies—and the FIFA World Cup 2026— safe for everyone.
Resources:
- FBI Electronic Tip Form
- FAA Drones page
- FAA TFR page
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Flight Advisory
- Drone Operator Charged with Violating Temporary Flight Restrictions in Area Surrounding Levi’s Stadium During NFL Game
FBI Dallas
Media Coordinator
media.dallas@fbi.gov
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
