Tailgating at the 2026 World Cup: Will fans be able to party in the parking lots before the games?

It may seem like second nature to us, but for many traveling fans coming to the US to watch the World Cup, this could be their first ever tailgating experience. Unseen in most parts of the world, and one of the things that foreign fans are surely looking forward to, FIFA has officially made a decision on the pregame ritual that many fans take for granted in this country.

FIFA not getting in way of tradition

Before you go loading up the Yeti cooler, and lighting up the BBQ for a pregame party in the parking lot of your local World Cup venue you should probably check with local authorities and look up stadium policy when it comes to firing up the tailgate. FIFA is delegating the policy to the each of the venue instead of making a sweeping decision on tailgating in each of the 16 stadiums hosting matches during the next month and some change.

FIFA came out with a statement earlier this year, and from what it sounds like, they have no interest in meddling with a tradition as old as sport itself in this country. “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.”

That will come as fantastic news to local residents who are used to the customary early arrival time to allow for the libations to flow and their bellies to fill on local cuisine. From Kansas City to the Meadowlands, LA to Miami tailgates have become synonymous with American football, but now “football” fans from all around the world are looking forward to partaking in a tailgate or two before watching their country take the pitch.

Tailgates north and south of the border

While it does seem like tailgating will be allowed, or at least not impeded by FIFA, there are places that will look to ensure that the premise is limited to ticket holders and parking pass owners. CEO & President of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Meg Kane spoke about who will and won’t be able to partake in the tailgates during the six matches that will be played at Lincoln Financial Field.

“Parking in the lots is controlled by FIFA, so anyone who is looking to purchase a parking space can work with FIFA. There’s a website available where you can purchase the parking,” said Kane. “If you have a ticket for the match on the day that the ticket says, and you have a parking space, you’re absolutely welcome to enjoy the traditional fan experience. That’s something that we’re going to embrace in every way.”

While college and pro football tailgate are as much a staple of Saturdays and Sundays all over the US, they also know a thing or two about tailgating above the border. The Canadien Football League games are often accompanied by tailgates of a different flavor, especially in those brutally cold winter months. In Mexico they never shy away from a party, but south of the border it’s called a precopeo or a previo. Either way those traveling fans who have the necessary requirements to tailgate, should plan to get to the stadiums a few hours before kick off so they can enjoy a unique experience that is not too common in other parts of the world.

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