American fans furious that one of their biggest traditions banned for opening game against Paraguay
Every country has their own traditions when it comes to sport.
Whether it's bawdry chants, drinking games or certain fancy dress costumes, there can often be a culture shock for some nations with what is and isn't allowed for their sporting events.
The World Cup 2026 is being hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, but the US will see the lion's share of the action.
Nearly two-thirds of the 16 host cities are dotted across North America, providing venues for 78 of the 104 games.
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Fans have been left fuming after being told they can't indulge in a favourite tradition in the US, which is very common for American football and the Super Bowl.
You see, many Americans love a spot of 'tailgating'.
While here in the UK, tailgating means driving along far too close to the back of another car, it has a different meaning altogether in the US of A.
What is tailgating?
For American sports fans, tailgating has become a key social ritual before major sporting events.
Fans gather in their trucks and cars in carparks outside the stadium hosting the game.
They then socialise around the vehicles (often the flatbed of a truck) and drink, eat, and often cook or BBQ on site to enjoy the atmosphere and the energy, even though they don't actually go inside the venue.
It can start hours before the match kicks off, and is commonly seen before NFL matches.
However, local US media shared reports saying that FIFA had banned tailgating before the World Cup.
It kicks off today, June 12, for the United States playing Paraguay.
Has FIFA banned tailgating?
Following reports in local media, fans have been complaining online and insisting they won't be stopped.
However, following a backlash, FIFA told CBS News, NBC Boston and WCVB Boston, that it 'does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating'.
That said, they added that site-specific restrictions may be imposed, dependent on the host city.
They said it all comes down to local regulations.
FIFA has teamed up with local organising committees for the security and logistical operations, and requires all stadiums to have two 'secure perimeters'.
It states that the 'main purpose of the outer perimeter is security', with the inner perimeter intended for final ticket checks.
Whether tailgating can take place very much depends on where the 'outer perimeter' is at each stadium, as it may well encompass all of the parking lots.
FIFA says it will ensure 'no unauthorised persons are admitted to the surrounding environment of the stadium building'.
“Secondly, it can create a safe distance between the stadium building as a crowded space and any potential threat or attack,” they added.
Fans response
Fans in Philadelphia are insisting it won't be stopped, with one writing on X: “FIFA doesn’t understand that you physically cannot stop Philadelphians from tailgating."
Others have said it's something they believe international guests and visitors would enjoy.
"Fans need SOMEWHERE to get together and most of the stadiums are surrounded by parking lots, I have a hard time imagining they’ll be able to stop this from happening in Philly," wrote another.
One German fan pleaded on X: "It‘s a shame FIFA have banned tailgating around the World Cup stadiums, would‘ve loved to experience that, heard it‘s the best part about sports in the USA. Are there any places in host cities where I can still get a similar vibe?"
"Brother, join us Americans in the most American thing ever and tailgate anyways.... Americans will never let them tell us how to have fun around OUR stadiums!!" insisted one fan in response.
Jen Thomas