FIFA clarifies: Tailgating is not prohibited, but with restrictions.

A FIFA guarantees: the famous “tailgating” is not banned at the World Cup, but be prepared for surprises at American stadiums!

With the arrival of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, football fans are eager to relive one of the most emblematic traditions of American sports: tailgating — that pre-game party where beer is opened, grills are fired up, and friends gather in stadium parking lots. However, FIFA has put a damper on this expectation, clarifying that although there is no formal ban on tailgating, the rules can vary dramatically from stadium to stadium, depending on local authorities.

In a Twitter post, FIFA made it clear: there is no official policy prohibiting tailgating during the World Cup, but “specific restrictions may be imposed according to the public safety authorities of the host cities and local regulations.” In other words, what is a party for some may be illegal for others.

In Boston, for example, the tradition of tailgating will be cut short. The local organizing committee has already announced that the famous gathering around parked vehicles will be expressly prohibited on game days at Gillette Stadium. Furthermore, the laws of the state of Massachusetts make it illegal to possess alcoholic beverages in public spaces, which eliminates any chance of cracking open a beer before the game starts.

In Philadelphia, the situation is more uncertain. The local committee revealed that there has not yet been a definitive decision regarding the ban on tailgating at Lincoln Financial Field. “Philadelphia is a city defined by its fans and its traditions, and that will not change with the arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” the committee assured the sports press. They claim to be working to ensure that the fan experience is authentic and true to the energy and passion that characterize the city, promising to respect the unique culture of game days.

This contrast between permissiveness and the prohibition of tailgating exposes a cultural clash between American tradition and the security and public order requirements of the host cities. For fans, this is a wake-up call: it is not enough to arrive at the stadium with a beer in hand and the grill ready — it is essential to know the local rules to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a massive spectacle, but for true football and pre-game party lovers, the watchword is caution. The tradition of tailgating may or may not survive, depending on the stadium where the games are held. Get ready for a World Cup full of emotions, both on and off the field, but do not assume that there will be guaranteed festivities in the parking lots!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.