FIFA Clarifies Tailgating Policy for 2026 World Cup at U.S. Stadiums

FIFA has clarified its tailgating policy ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

"FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas)," FIFA said in a statement. "However, site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with host city public safety authorities in certain venues based on local regulations. Additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."

The World Cup is set to begin in North America this summer with a pair of games in Mexico on June 11 before the United States opens its campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.

Other U.S. cities tabbed to host games include Boston (Gillette Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium) and San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium).

This year's World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first in history to feature 48 teams, up from 32 in past iterations.