World Cup fans can tailgate in Philadelphia on match days
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World Cup fans in Philadelphia can rest assured: Tailgating is allowed in Lincoln Financial Field's parking area during matches.
Why it matters: FIFA has faced backlash for prohibiting this great American pastime in other U.S. host cities, like MetLife Stadium in Jersey.
How it works: FIFA will control the parking lots around the Linc and Xfinity Mobile Arena during the World Cup.
- To tailgate there, a fan must have a match day ticket and a purchased parking pass, says Melissa Ferdinand, a spokesperson for Philadelphia Soccer 2026.
Plus: Parking likely won't be an all-day affair. Lots will open at least four hours prior to kickoff, and passes are valid for an hour after the game ends.
- Those who buy passes will receive an email confirming parking lot hours closer to the match day.
What they're saying: If fans have those tickets and "arrive and engage in the traditional fan experience of tailgating, the City, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 will not keep them from doing so," Ferdinand said.
Zoom out: The World Cup will take place across the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
- Philly will host six matches during the tourney.
Between the lines: FIFA does not have a formal policy banning tailgating in host cities.
Yes, but: Some restrictions could apply at different stadiums.
- That includes in New Jersey, where both parking and tailgating will be prohibited in MetLife Stadium's parking lots.
Boston's host organization reversed an initial ban on tailgating after public backlash.
The bottom line: Philly has a chance to show the world how tailgating is really done.