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In just over two months, soccer fans will flock to stadiums across North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But those thousands of fans won’t be taking part in a long-standing pregame tradition — at least at the venues in the U.S.
FIFA is set to ban pregame tailgating in US stadiums during the tournament, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. NFL venues such as Arrowhead Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field, among others, were listed as hosting venues where fans will not be allowed to tailgate this summer.
It was not immediately clear what led to the decision or why it is being introduced.
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A general view shows the empty parking lot at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 14, 2020, as no fans were allowed for the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. (Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports)
The governing body and tournament organizer may be aiming to prevent crowd-control problems similar to those that emerged when the Copa América was held in Miami. Large gatherings outside the stadium entrances fueled logistical hurdles.
Tailgating has long been synonymous with American sports culture, giving fans a budget-friendly way to enjoy the game-day atmosphere.
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But with that option gone, fans may encounter a very different pregame scene this summer. While FIFA will monitor venues during the tournament, the atmosphere outside them may ultimately prove more challenging to manage.
Real Madrid fans tailgate outside the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match against Paris Saint-Germain on July 9, 2025. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
The move to ban tailgating comes as several host cities adjust transport schedules to ease traffic around World Cup venues. Fans attending games at MetLife Stadium in the New York area will not be able to park on the stadium’s regular game days.
Real Madrid fans tailgate in a parking lot outside Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H match against FC Red Bull Salzburg on June 26, 2025. (Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images)
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Public transportation is expected to be the primary alternative, although travelers may be charged higher prices for crossing state lines. New Jersey Transit could charge more than $100 for round-trip service to MetLife Stadium during games, The Athletic reported.
On a typical day, the 18-mile commute costs a fare of less than $13.
