World Cup tailgate 'ban' explained after FIFA issued statement
FIFA has cleared up confusion and clarified whether tailgating would be ‘banned’ during Men’s World Cup matches in the United States following widespread rumours.
Tonight (12 June), the first of 78 matches set to be played across the nation will commence as the USMNT look to overcome Group D rivals Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium) in Inglewood.
Football fans have already been up in arms about the prices of alcohol being served throughout the tournament, as well as whether punters sitting and eating at tables is going to be a regular sight at the competition.
And it seems there is also anger online regarding the seemingly fabricated idea that tailgating - a pre-game social moment which sees fans parking their cars outside a stadium and hosting a full-blown party - would not be allowed at any host stadium.
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Tailgating parties usually take place before NFL games - with Kansas City Chiefs fans favouring barbecue - and at NWSL games, with the act staged by Racing Louisville FC fans in the team’s Gold Lot carpark.
It sees both ticket holders and fans who aren’t heading into the stadium alike rocking up to chat, drink, and enjoy food a few hours before the game.
Earlier this year, it was claimed via an online publication that FIFA would be ‘banning’ these pre-parties ahead of every single World Cup 2026 match.
The false statement sparked outrage across social media, prompting one X user to type: “I’m so mad at FIFA for banning tailgates at the World Cup. These Euro tourists would’ve lovedddd getting free hotdogs and beers shoved into their hands by an overweight dad named Bob.”
Another said: “It‘s a shame FIFA have banned tailgating around the World Cup stadiums, would‘ve loved to experience that, heard it‘s the best part about sports in the USA. Are there any places in host cities where I can still get a similar vibe.”
Following the false reports, the sports governing body shared a statement.
“FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas),” it denied in April via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“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.”
Stadiums where tailgating is permitted
Philadelphia
Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the host committee for all of the matches taking place at Philadelphia Stadium (also known as Lincoln Financial Field) has confirmed that the pre-match ritual will go ahead.
However, those who come without a pre-purchased ticket to one of the six games and a parking pass will not be authorised to park their car and tailgate.
Boston
Fans heading to the Boston Stadium (the Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough can take part in tailgating, a Boston 26 spokesperson confirmed.
“We are pleased to share that tailgating will be permitted at Boston Stadium 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,” the publication wrote.
The grounds, with a capacity of 64,146, will host seven games across the competition, including Haiti vs Scotland, England vs Ghana, and Iraq vs Norway.
Texas
In a statement to CBS News, a spokesperson for the North Texas FIFA World Cup said tailgating would have a ‘slightly different feel’ at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) during the FIFA World Cup.
“Dallas Stadium in Arlington does not prohibit tailgating for events. However, the FIFA World Cup 2026 parking operations will differ from standard NFL game days, which will potentially affect parking near the venue.
“As a result, tailgating will have a slightly different feel but additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament,” the statement concluded.
It’s understood that space for the pre-match get-together would be limited.
Stadiums banning tailgaiting
Los Angeles
Tailgating at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is not prohibited during the FIFA World Cup, as designated areas, such as the Pink Zone, are not active during the eight scheduled matches.
That means anyone attending the USMNT opener, or the team’s match against Turkey, will not be able to party in the grounds prior to kickoff.
Instead, guests are being advised to head to the official FIFA Fan Festival at the LA Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park.
New Jersey
Fans heading to the New York New Jersey Stadium, commonly referred to as the MetLife Stadium, this summer will not be able to tailgate, Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the city’s host committee said.
This is because the designated parking lots will be used for other functions ‘dedicated to fan engagement’, as per NJ.com.
Seattle
Tailgaiting is not ‘permitted’ at the Seattle Stadium (Lumen Filed) due to its ‘city centre location’, according to a report by The New York Times.
Ella Scott