What will celebratory traditions look like during North Texas FIFA World Cup matches?

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]I think if you go outside of the the US though, like you go to Mexico, you go to Spain, Argentina, Brazil, uh Colombia for instance, that's the sport that kind of unites all, you know, the the the people from those countries because it's it's it's a shared interest.

[00:00:15]>> In just a few weeks, North Texas will be on the center stage of the international soccer scene when the FIFA World Cup kicks off. I think that's part of the the the magic of these tournaments and the interactions between different fans from different places is that they can uh you see how different fans see and cheer for their teams in different parts of the world. While soccer fans are excited for the tournament, some tell CBS News Texas they're concerned they may not be able to fully tailgate or celebrate near the stadium. Something Professor Patrick Ridge says is deeply tied to soccer culture around the world.

[00:00:51]The way that they chant and the way that they they bring the drums, they bring uh in the streamers, the the way that they cheer in the stadium or outside the stadium, the marches, um it's just a presence, it's felt.

[00:01:06]>> While some host cities have already banned tailgating near their stadiums, Arlington officials say it will be allowed, though the experience may look different from a typical Cowboys game day. A spokesperson for the North Texas FIFA World Organizing Committee said in a statement, "Dallas stadium in Arlington does not prohibit tailgating for events. However, the FIFA World Cup 2026 parking operations will differ from standard NFL game days, which will potentially affect parking near the venue. As a result, tailgating will have a slightly different feel, but additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament." In the past, officials have said that areas like Texas Live and Fair Park will be open for fan celebrations, but it's still unclear what rules may apply at nearby parks or city-owned spaces in Arlington. CBS News Texas reached out to the city of Arlington to ask, but they did not return our request for comment. Ridge, like many others, says he'll be watching what happens outside the stadium as well as inside. I will see how how and those experiences are affected because of restrictions or whatever is put in place by the time the tournament starts, but hopefully that will that won't get affected too much.

[00:02:22]>> In Arlington, Marissa Armas, CBS News Texas.