Will tailgating be allowed in North Texas during the World Cup?

Millions of soccer fans will flood Dallas and other U.S. cities this summer for the World Cup. But it’s unclear whether they will get to join the time-honored American ritual of drinking a beer in the stadium parking lot.

Numerous outlets reported this week that tailgating would be banned outside stadiums in Boston, Philadelphia, Kansas City and elsewhere. What about AT&T Stadium, which will be temporarily rebranded Dallas Stadium, in Arlington? Here’s what we found out.

First, FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, sought to clarify its stance after fans blasted initial reports of the ban. In an email to The Dallas Morning News, FIFA said it does not have a formal policy restricting tailgating, but site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with “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,” FIFA wrote. 

The organization did not respond to a follow-up question asking whether any restrictions would be imposed in Arlington, which will host nine matches, more than any other host stadium. A spokesperson for the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee declined to comment and instead referred all questions about tailgating to FIFA.

The Arlington Police Department said it was not aware of any changes to tailgating policies but also referred questions to FIFA. 

For Dallas Cowboys and college games, tailgating is allowed when the gates open and up to two hours after the game. Deep fryers, open flames, political campaigning, weapons and fireworks and amplified sound systems are banned.

In cities that ban tailgating, fans will be directed to pregame festivities at specifically designed fan zones. For example, Fair Park in Dallas will host a 34-day fan festival.

Even if tailgating is not banned in Arlington, space will be limited. Some parking lots will be closed to fans as part of the region’s transportation plan, which aims to move millions of fans to and from the stadium. 

Those fans may have to wait to enjoy a beer inside the stadium.