Andy Devaney
If you’ve ever fancied watching a World Cup match with a glass of wine in one hand, gourmet sliders in the other, and your backside perched on something more padded than a plastic seat, your moment has come. FIFA and On Location have swung open the gates to a broader spread of official hospitality packages for the upcoming World Cup 26 – and they’re not skimping on the sparkle.
This isn’t just the biggest World Cup in history, it’s also the first to be hosted across three nations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – and the first to feature 48 teams. Naturally, that means more matches, more cities, and more chances to experience the tournament in five-star style.
The menu of hospitality options is as expansive as Gareth Bale’s trophy cabinet. For the discerning fan, there’s the Single Match package: one game, top-notch seating, and access to the Pitchside Lounge or other premium hospitality areas. Ideal if you’re the type who likes your football short, sweet, and paired with a champagne reception.
Those after more of a football feast can dive into the Match Series packages, where you can cherry-pick two, four, or eight matches across the venues of your choice. Customisable, of course – because if you’re spending this much, “bespoke” had better be involved.
But the real eye-catcher? The Follow My Team Series. It lets diehards follow their national team through every group-stage and round-of-32 match – unless you’re supporting one of the host nations, in which case… tough luck. Included is access to the FIFA Pavilion (think five-star retreat meets football fan cave) and premium stadium seating that offers better views than your mate’s dodgy stream ever could.
Then there’s the Venue Series – a single-stadium binge of between four and nine matches. If you’re smart enough to land the package for New York New Jersey Stadium, you’ll be sitting pretty come 19 July, when the World Cup 26 final unfolds in all its glory.
“These aren’t just tickets,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup COO. “Fans can now secure exclusive experiences that combine world-class service, the best seats in the house and an unforgettable atmosphere at the FIFA World Cup 26.” Translation: come for the football, stay for the foie gras.
And let’s not overlook the added flair: dedicated security lanes, on-site concierge, locally inspired cuisine, live music, special guests, and commemorative keepsakes. There’s even a rumour going round that you might bump into someone who once nutmegged Beckham at youth level.
Alicia Falken, On Location’s General Manager for World Cup 26, added: “These hospitality packages will help elevate fans’ tournament experiences and allow their passion to flourish during these unprecedented experiences.” Unprecedented indeed. We’re talking more matches, more countries, and more hospitality than a Beverly Hills wedding.
For those ready to put their money where their team is, bookings can be made via FIFAWorldCup.com/Hospitality. And a word of warning from the powers that be: steer clear of unofficial sellers unless you like the thrill of being turned away at the gate.
On Location has also teamed up with Major League Soccer, host committees, and affiliated venues as authorised sellers, so you’ll know exactly who to trust. A regularly updated list of global sales agents is available at onlocationexp.com/fifaworldcup/sales-agents.
Meanwhile, ticket information for the general public is still on the horizon, but you can register your interest at FIFA.com/tickets. Until then, consider your options – because whether you’re chasing goals or truffle arancini, World Cup 26 promises to be one for the history books.
