2026 World Cup Tailgating to Be Allowed at Patriots' Gillette Stadium Following FIFA Reversal

Fans attending FIFA World Cup games in Boston this summer will now get the full Gillette Stadium experience.

FIFA initially said that no tailgating would be allowed before World Cup games at all locations, but the Boston World Cup host committee said Monday that FIFA has reversed that decision, per the Associated Press.

That means fans can arrive early to games at Gillette Stadium and prepare for action as if it were an NFL game. The home of the New England Patriots will host six group-stage matches and one quarterfinal game on July 9.

According to the AP, the committee made the decision to comply with local policies that allow tailgating "like any other event hosted at the stadium as there are no venue restrictions or local public safety restrictions in place that would prohibit it."

Tailgating won't be quite as easy at the World Cup, though, as there will be just 5,000 parking spots available, compared to 20,000 spots for Patriots games.