The FBI announced May 28 that security measures for the FIFA World Cup matches will include a no-drone zone over Downtown Atlanta.
The FBI Atlanta field office is coordinating with the Atlanta Police Department and regional partners to monitor safety in Downtown Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods during the eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from June 15 to July 15.
The no-drone zone applies to all aircraft, including hobbyist drones. The FBI said it will enforce the FAA’s restricted airspace, citing the growing use of drones for potentially dangerous purposes. This is not the time for hobbyists to fly drones, one FBI official said, noting violators will be prosecuted with severe penalties.
The bureau’s presence will span multiple divisions, including criminal, cyber, counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism units. Officials said they are also working with 10 other host cities across the U.S. to monitor and prevent human trafficking during the tournament.
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“Naturally, we have a presence at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport,” Special Agent Marlo Graham said. “There’s an increased presence in every avenue that is related to FIFA, whether it’s Fan Fest, Mercedes-Benz, or the airport.”
FBI SWAT teams will maintain a high-profile presence around FIFA events and will be stationed downtown during all matches and fan days. The teams are trained to respond to any threat at a moment’s notice. Officials said the visibility is intended to enhance public safety and should not be a cause for alarm.
The FBI said it has drawn resources from across Georgia and coordinated with regional field offices to ensure coverage throughout the 39-day event. Officials said they held an all-staff briefing to prepare employees to fill any security gaps that emerge.
“FBI Atlanta wants to ensure that this is a successful event for players, fans, residents and visitors,” Graham said. “We want everyone to know that it will be safe to be in downtown Atlanta.”
Officials are urging the public to report anything suspicious by calling 911 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
2026 FIFA World Cup Matches in Atlanta:
- Group Stage Matches:
- June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde (Group H) – 12 p.m. ET
- June 18: Czechia vs. South Africa (Group A) – 12 p.m. ET
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (Group H) – 12 p.m. ET
- June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti (Group C) – 6 p.m. ET
- June 27: Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan (Group K) – 7:30 p.m. ET
- Knockout Stage Matches:
- July 1, 2026 – Round of 32 match – 12 p.m. ET
- July 7, 2026 – Round of 16 match – 12 p.m. ET
- Semifinal:
- July 15, 2026 – Semifinal match – 3 p.m. ET
