Federal restrictions also apply in Houston during games at NRG Stadium and at official FIFA Fan Festival events in East Downtown.
Federal authorities have seized more than 300 drones near FIFA World Cup 2026 venues in the United States since the tournament began on June 11, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The measure is part of the federal air security operation that bans unauthorized flights near stadiums, fan festivals, and other zones linked to the tournament.
In Houston, restrictions apply around NRG Stadium on game days and in East Downtown during the dates of the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) included both points within the World Cup 2026 protected zones.
The restricted zone includes NRG Stadium on game days
During game days, aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a radius of 3 nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around World Cup stadiums, unless specifically authorized by air traffic control.
NRG Stadium has air restriction dates on June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29, as well as July 4, according to the FAA’s federal calendar. Houston was scheduled to host seven World Cup 2026 matches, including group stage games, the round of 32, and the round of 16.
The local schedule includes matches such as Germany vs. Curaçao on June 14, Portugal vs. DR Congo on June 17, Netherlands vs. Sweden on June 20, Portugal vs. Uzbekistan on June 23, Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia on June 26, Brazil vs. Japan on June 29, and a Round of 16 match on July 4.
East Downtown also has restrictions due to the Fan Festival
Drone restrictions also cover zones for official World Cup events. In those areas, unauthorized operations are prohibited within a radius of 1 nautical mile and up to 1,000 feet above ground level.
In Houston, the FAA identified East Downtown District as a restricted zone on dates spread between June 11 and July 19, including days of matches and Fan Festival activities.
The FIFA Fan Festival Houston takes place in East Downtown from June 11 to July 19. The event is free, open on every World Cup match day, and allows viewing matches on giant screens, in addition to activities, performances, and food options.
Smoke from fires and Sahara dust will leave the Houston sky hazy
Fines can reach up to $100,000
The FAA has stated that operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization can face fines of up to $100,000, drone confiscation, and federal charges. The agency also noted that federal authorities can identify operators, seize drones, and support criminal proceedings when restrictions are violated.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) participates in the operation with teams assigned to detect, track, and respond to unauthorized flights. The FAA also activated the Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) initiative, created to speed up the identification and enforcement of penalties for drone-related violations during the tournament.
In Florida, the FBI office in Miami reported 49 sanctioned operators and 54 drones seized for unauthorized flights around World Cup venues. This figure forms part of the nationwide enforcement of temporary restrictions during the tournament.
Airspace restriction dates in Houston
Restrictions around NRG Stadium apply on these dates:
- June 14
- June 17
- June 20
- June 23
- June 26
- June 29
- July 4
In East Downtown, restrictions for official events apply on various dates between June 11 and July 19. The FAA indicated that locations can change and that zones related to team hotels, bases, and training centers could be added.
The most up-to-date information on temporary flight restrictions is published through official FAA notices and current NOTAMs for each World Cup site.
