The first FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Florida is coming within days as Saudi Arabia takes on Uruguay on June 15. There will be six more matches held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens through June and July.
But don’t expect to get aerial views of the stadium, the crowds, or anywhere nearby. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and law enforcement have named all FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums and surrounding event spaces, such as the FIFA Fan Festival Miami, as strict “No Drone Zones.”
“The FBI is enforcing NO DRONE ZONES around South Florida in support of the World Cup games and the Fan Festival,” said Brett Skiles, special agent in charge, FBI Miami, in a June 8 release. “Public safety is our highest priority. Our agents and selected law enforcement partners have authority from the Department of Justice to use specialized mitigation tools to intercept and seize drones that violate these Temporary Flight Restrictions.”
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A Miami Police officer went even further, seemingly dropkicking a drone in a video posted to X. “No Drone Zone Time!” he yelled, amidst anime-style special effects and a theme song.
Last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $250 million to the 11 states hosting World Cup matches to strengthen detection and defense capabilities against unmanned aircaft systems “to protect the public from hostile drones during mass gathering events.”
The restrictions apply at Hard Rock Stadium on match days and around Bayfront Park in Miami, where the FIFA Fan Festival Miami will be held.
Here’s what to know before you launch your drone.
What is a No Drone Zone?
The FAA designates certain areas as No Drone Zones where drones are prohibited or heavily restricted to limit air travel and secure the airspace.
Taking off, landing, or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a serious violation of federal and local regulations.
You can check for local recreational drone restrictions at the FAA’s B4UFLY page.
What are the penalties for flying a drone in a No Drone Zone?
“Operating a drone inside a restricted World Cup No Drone Zone carries severe consequences,” the FAA said. If you fly a drone without authorization, you may face:
Where are drones restricted for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Drones are prohibited around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on June 15, 21, 24, 27, July 3, 11, and 18.
Drones will also be prohibited (unless specifically authorized) within a radius of a nautical mile and up to 1,000 feet above ground level at Bayfront Park in Miami from June 13-30, and July 1-5.
Are cameras allowed at FIFA World Cup 2026 matches?
Yes, if they are personal cameras and not professional gear.
However, you may not bring any types of mounts for photo and video equipment, such as tripods, monopods, and ‘selfie’ sticks, and you can’t bring a camera bag. And no drones.
When will the FIFA World Cup 2026 be in Florida?
According to the official FIFA schedule there will be seven World Cup matches in the Sunshine State at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Where are the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Florida?
The matches will be at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (referred to as the “Miami Stadium” in the FIFA schedule).
It has seating for 65,000 people and has hosted the Miami Dolphins, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open tennis tournament, University of Miami, Orange Blossom Classic and Orange Bowl college football games, concerts and performances, and even eight fixtures during the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: No drones allowed in these South Florida areas for Miami World Cup
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
