FIFA is not banning World Cup tailgating. Here's what's really happening.
· Yahoo Sports
Fans at World Cup matches this summer may be restricted from tailgating – but that won't be due to any FIFA ban around the activity.
Visit sweetbonanza-app.com for more information.
Several headlines this week claimed that FIFA is banning the proud American tradition of eating and drinking near parked cars ahead of sporting events. But that isn't exactly what's happening.
The majority of matches at the 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, most of which will take place at large NFL stadiums surrounded by parking lots. But many of those games will see far less tailgating than usual.
Tailgating appears likely to be reduced this summer but in a statement on X, FIFA clarified that it does not have any policy that actually bans tailgating.
"FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas). However, site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with host city public safety authorities in certain venues based on local regulations," FIFA said.
"Additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."
Tailgating restrictions at 2026 World Cup
World Cup matches this summer will see stadium parking lots filled with a number of extra areas not typically seen at NFL games. Those include fan entertainment zones, sponsorship hospitality areas and broadcast centers.
There will also be enhanced security measures that will occupy stadium real estate. Larger security perimeters around stadiums will result in less space for parking.
Parking at many stadiums will be greatly reduced and as a result, so will tailgating. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, site of the final, organizers have encouraged all attendees to avoid driving.
“While rideshare and limited premium parking options will be available, the FIFA World Cup at NYNJ Stadium will largely rely on public transportation,” said Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the host committee.
At Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, traditionally a tailgating hub, parking restrictions will also be in full effect.
“If there is any (parking), which I think is still to be determined, it will be greatly reduced from what it is today,” Lindsey Douglas, Kansas City host committee chief operating officer, told the Kansas City Star last year. “Things are going to look and feel different at Arrowhead.”
At Gillette Stadium outside of Boston, there will be 5,000 spots for fan parking, compared to the usual 20,000 spots for New England Patriots games and concerts, local transportation officials said in February.
In Boston, however, the local organizing committee has said that tailgating will be outright banned, citing FIFA policy.
"Please note that the traditional 'tailgating' (eating and drinking around parked cars) is not permitted for these events per FIFA policy," the committee said on its stadium website.
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to the Boston Host Committee for clarification.
At the same time, there will be parking available at World Cup games. FIFA has an official World Cup parking website with (limited and expensive) parking passes for purchase.
As soon as fans are parked, there theoretically won't be anything stopping them from pulling out a cooler, a grill and a few chairs.
But for most fans attending matches, pre-game festivities will take place off site or in a different capacity than usual.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is FIFA banning tailgating at 2026 World Cup? Here's the real story