What is tailgating, and has FIFA banned it at World Cup stadiums in the US?

Al Jazeera
April 16, 2026
2 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

FIFA and local organizers banned tailgating at World Cup stadiums in the US, drawing fan criticism.

How This Affects You

If you plan to attend World Cup matches in the US, you will not be able to tailgate at stadiums, altering the traditional fan experience.

AI Summary

FIFA and local organizers have banned tailgating at World Cup stadiums in the United States. This decision has drawn criticism from football fans in the US, who view tailgating as a significant part of the American sporting event experience. The ban impacts how fans traditionally gather and celebrate before matches, potentially altering the atmosphere around World Cup venues. This move by FIFA and local organizers has generated backlash among the host nation's supporters.

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

1 source

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

New Jersey governor hits out at Fifa over reported $100 World Cup train tickets: ‘They should pay’
Politics

New Jersey governor hits out at Fifa over reported $100 World Cup train tickets: ‘They should pay’

<ul><li><p>Mikie Sherrill says taxpayers should not carry burden</p></li><li><p>Costs at World Cup have come under increased scrutiny</p></li></ul><p>New Jersey’s governor, Mikie Sherrill, has hit out at Fifa after reports her state’s transport system will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/14/nj-transit-train-tickets-prices-new-york-world-cup">charge $100 for a return ticket</a> to World Cup matches this summer.</p><p>New Jersey Transit lists the price for <a href="https://www.njtransit.com/meadowlands">a round-trip ticket</a> from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches this summer, including the final, as $12.90. The new pricing, reported by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7193375/2026/04/14/metlife-stadium-world-cup-train-tickets/">The Athletic earlier this week</a>, puts the return ticket at more than $100 with no reductions for children, seniors or people with disabilities. NJ Transit <a href="https://ww...

The Guardian US NewsApr 16
FIFA ‘surprised’ by US backlash as transport costs skyrocket at World Cup
Corporate

FIFA ‘surprised’ by US backlash as transport costs skyrocket at World Cup

Both a top US lawmaker and the governor of New Jersey ask FIFA to pay World Cup transport bill amid ticket hikes.

Al JazeeraApr 16
New Jersey's $150 transit fare at World Cup will have 'chilling effect', FIFA warns - Reuters
Politics

New Jersey's $150 transit fare at World Cup will have 'chilling effect', FIFA warns - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxPaDk0OXB1VjJlSGhhOWxIamI3SHR5Z3NpSEE1T1M3UlJyQWhJMWJncnkxQ3ZLQVpiRFo3emhSVnBYTUpnRXExcjd2ZFRsU3JsTXM5QS1SdzUzZ2NjODBnbGQzcTJiS0RidG00dHlvMWdod1p1dm0yTjFRYzJlSVVzT2JuV3h4QUhsdTgxdnJCNk10c1VoX2NwaW12V1pSRlRmQlVsYU8yd0tiTVdBU0RWUzA4WnJOQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">New Jersey's $150 transit fare at World Cup will have 'chilling effect', FIFA warns</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersApr 18
FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup ‘for sure’ despite war - AP News
Global

FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup ‘for sure’ despite war - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijAFBVV95cUxNTy1OWmQ5b1UxQVM5QXRWYkoyTndDRmp4T2E1TDQySTBWOVJwMzFBN3ExaDJDSWM0cWZqTDZjYWNOZjA4UWFBem5MZE1UcHdYQXYtZ1ZCSTVfT3BjMXlYQWczcjQ4Wjd5c3FMaTI5Y1FMbm9GTFkzN0dfcmg2dERIUWp1V1VVeWdZcTNhdw?oc=5" target="_blank">FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup ‘for sure’ despite war</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 16
Fans express outrage as US World Cup ticket prices soar
Civil Rights

Fans express outrage as US World Cup ticket prices soar

It will be more expensive than ever to attend World Cup matches held in the United States this summer, a trend that has soccer fans in the U.S. and around the world frustrated about who will have access to watch historic clashes on the pitch in person. The record-breaking prices are a clear representation of soccer’s growing popularity in North America and are being seen as a…

The HillApr 13
Javier Mascherano is out as Inter Miami's coach, only 4 months after leading team to MLS Cup title - AP News
Corporate

Javier Mascherano is out as Inter Miami's coach, only 4 months after leading team to MLS Cup title - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQWjVuU01KT1RvcmVMdDkxR1NnbVVlWnZTeGJyOG5Xcll2SUtnLXRBWUZOMDVrTzVXaUNOU04weGFNUWl1cXdIaHVzZkpZaklGMTJ4T1ZqR1RMQ0swY0E4UXlJc0ljQUN0dVlSdENmeTlsTGtXVWhWM2o3RUVRUktmQmpWazJoR3RUdURUX1EwNmdrQldOdkcxUEduRkRHb0tRRnVQRA?oc=5" target="_blank">Javier Mascherano is out as Inter Miami's coach, only 4 months after leading team to MLS Cup title</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 14
Read Next
He Anonymously Threatened Lawmakers Reining in Shady Hospital Deals. Now He’s Been Arrested.
Corporate

He Anonymously Threatened Lawmakers Reining in Shady Hospital Deals. Now He’s Been Arrested.

Last week, authorities in Louisiana issued an arrest warrant for a businessman who they believe has run a vitriolic social media account that for years has harassed and threatened critics of America’s largest hospital landlord—Medical Properties Trust (MPT). Last year, Mother Jones and Reveal investigated MPT and found that its business model was sinking hospitals […]

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources