Four NFL stadiums expected to ban beloved tradition at FIFA World Cup amid ticket ‘scam’

Tailgating is a time-honored tradition that many visiting fans will be looking forward to experiencing at the World Cup.

There were shocking reports, which have since been walked back, that FIFA was planning on a total ban for the tournament.

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Thankfully, that will not be the case, but some venues are unfortunately set to rule out the quintessential American pastime.

“FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas),” a spokesperson told Fox News. “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.”

It has been reported that Arrowhead Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field are set to ban tailgating, although only one venue has confirmed so far.

The New England Patriots confirmed that “traditional tailgating” won’t be allowed at World Cup events.

Outlawing the pre-game ritual is expected to come as part of measures to help ease traffic flow around stadiums.

New York’s MetLife Stadium will not allow parking in the usual gameday lots – effectively ending the tradition there also.

World Cup travel costs

The home of the Giants and Jets has also come under scrutiny over eye-watering transport prices.

“Current NJ Transit plans for return train from NY Penn Station to MetLife Stadium during World Cup are for tickets to be priced at over $100. Usual price is $12.90, making it more than a 7-fold increase for World Cup fans,” Adam Crafton reported on Tuesday.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has defended the move, claiming the total cost of running special rail services and meeting security requirements for eight matches at MetLife will be around $48 million.

“FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don’t, I’m not going to let New Jersey commuters be taken for one,” she said.

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Kansas City has put a more reasonable plan in please.

Unlimited regional trips from downtown KC to 14 different locations will cost $5 per day, $25 per week or $50 for the entire World Cup.

A match day round-trip is $15 and rides downtown to KCI are free.

World Cup ticket prices

Sky-high ticket prices are another concern and there has been a twist in that tale, too.

The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell reported last that fans are accusing FIFA of changing stadium ticket maps after they had already paid for seats.

“This story is unbelievable,” ESPN’s Kevin Clark wrote on X. “FIFA changed the ticket maps to make everyone’s seats worse months after tickets were purchased with no recourse.

“I’ve seen some sports scams in my day but no one is doing it like FIFA. Generational. I’ll probably just check it out on TV.”