Culture clash: FIFA insists tailgating is not banned at World Cup — but it’s not allowed at every stadium

“Philadelphia is a city defined by its fans and its traditions, and that will not change when the world arrives for FIFA World Cup 2026,” the host committee told Front Office Sports.

“While our fan experience plans are still being finalized with our partners, we are committed to delivering a World Cup that is authentically Philadelphia — and that means celebrating the passion, the energy, and the game-day culture that makes this city unlike any other,” the committee added.

Tailgating is a time-honored tradition in the U.S., but with nearly a dozen stadiums around the country hosting World Cup matches this summer, rules around the pre-game gatherings may vary (Getty Images)

Fans from New York and New Jersey, along with any other visitors, won’t be able to tailgate at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford during the World Cup because the parking lots will be used for other functions “dedicated to fan engagement,” Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the city’s host committee, said in a statement shared by NJ.com.

Hamilton called the soccer matches at MetLife Stadium, which will include the World Cup final, a “public transportation first event,” strongly encouraging fans to use NJ Transit and the stadium bus shuttles.

But NJ Transit is planning to charge more than $100 for return tickets from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup, The Athletic reported earlier this week. Usually, tickets for the trip cost just $12.90 each.

A spokesperson for NJ Transit told The Independent the agency has not yet finalized ticket prices for match day travel, but noted that “the cost for the eight matches will not be borne by our regular commuters.”

There have also been complaints about planned transportation price hikes for fans attending the soccer matches (Getty Images)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill have demanded FIFA cover transportation costs, which left FIFA “surprised.”

“We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach today on fan transportation. The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches.

“Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic.