2026 World Cup Accessibility Guide — Attending Matches with Disabilities

Accessibility at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup venues are all modern North American stadiums built to or renovated to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards in the USA, and equivalent Canadian accessibility legislation. This means consistent, high-quality accessibility provisions across all 16 host venues — significantly better than many previous World Cup host countries.

This guide covers what to expect and how to plan.

Tickets and Accessible Seating

FIFA Ticket Categories

FIFA offers Accessible Seating categories for each match with:

• Wheelchair spaces with companion seating adjacent
• Easy-access seating with enhanced leg room
• Ambulatory disabled seating for fans who walk with difficulty but don't use wheelchairs
• Price parity or subsidized pricing for accessible seats in most categories

How to book: Through the official FIFA ticketing platform at FIFA.com. Accessible seating categories are typically labeled "Category P" or "Accessible" during the booking process.

Book early. Accessible seating allocations sell out as quickly as standard seats.

Companion Seats

Companions/personal assistants assisting disabled fans are typically offered tickets at a significantly reduced rate (sometimes free) adjacent to accessible seats. Confirm this at the time of booking on the FIFA ticketing platform.

Stadium-by-Stadium Accessibility Overview

All 16 stadiums have accessible facilities. Here are the key details for the US stadiums:

MetLife Stadium (New York / New Jersey)

• One of the most accessible stadiums in the NFL/MLS — extensively renovated
• Hundreds of wheelchair spaces distributed throughout the seating bowl at multiple levels
• Accessible parking in designated lots (reserve in advance)
• Multiple accessible entrances with dedicated queuing lanes
• Full accessibility at all concourse levels via elevators

SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)

• Brand new stadium (opened 2020) built to the highest modern accessibility standards
• Wheelchair spaces at every level including premium areas
• Sensory rooms available for fans with autism or sensory sensitivities — contact stadium in advance
• Accessible parking and rideshare drop-off zones

AT&T Stadium (Dallas)

• The world's largest domed stadium with comprehensive accessibility
• Over 500 wheelchair spaces across multiple sections
• Assistive listening devices available at Guest Services
• Accessible parking in reserved adjacent lots

Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)

• Renovated 2016 with significant accessibility improvements
• Wheelchair and companion seating throughout
• Covered areas for fans who need shade (relevant in June/July Miami heat)

Lumen Field (Seattle)

• Consistently rated among the most accessible stadiums in the USA
• Wheelchair spaces on multiple levels with excellent sightlines
• Accessible via Link Light Rail from downtown — the most transit-accessible World Cup stadium for mobility-impaired fans

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)

• ADA compliant throughout
• Wheelchair spaces at all levels
• Accessible via SEPTA Broad Street Line — good transit accessibility

NRG Stadium (Houston)

• Retractable roof stadium with climate control — significant advantage for fans with heat sensitivity
• Comprehensive wheelchair seating
• Accessible via METRO Purple Line

Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)

• Comprehensive ADA compliance
• Wheelchair accessible areas throughout
• Note: Limited public transit means rideshare or accessible parking is the primary option

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

• One of the most accessible stadiums in the USA, completed 2017
• Sensory inclusivity program for fans with autism
• Excellent accessible transit via MARTA to Vine City station
• Wheelchair accessible areas throughout all levels

Gillette Stadium (Boston/Foxborough)

• ADA compliant throughout
• Commuter rail service on match days is accessible (platform access, accessible seating on trains)
• Dedicated accessible parking adjacent to stadium

Transit Accessibility by City

Transit quality for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired fans varies significantly by city:

Most Accessible by Transit

Seattle — Link Light Rail to Stadium Station is fully accessible. Lumen Field is flat and easy to navigate from the station. Best transit experience for wheelchair users.

Atlanta — MARTA rail is fully accessible. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is directly adjacent to the station and built with accessibility at the core.

Philadelphia — SEPTA Broad Street Line is accessible. The Linc is a transit-accessible stadium.

New York / New Jersey — NJ Transit match-day trains are accessible. Note that some older NYC subway stations have limited elevator access — plan routes carefully using the MTA accessibility tool at mta.info.

Good Transit Accessibility

Houston — METRO Purple Line is accessible. NRG Stadium well connected. Vancouver — SkyTrain is fully accessible. BC Place is flat and easy to navigate. Toronto — GO Train has accessible carriages. TTC accessibility varies by station — check accessibility maps.

Limited Transit Accessibility (Drive/Rideshare Recommended)

Dallas (AT&T Stadium) — No transit. Accessible parking and rideshare the primary options. Kansas City (Arrowhead) — Limited transit. Accessible parking and rideshare. Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) — Metro connection improving but confirm current status. Rideshare often more practical.

Heat and Weather Considerations

Several host cities have June/July heat and humidity that poses challenges for fans with certain conditions:

High heat cities: Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, Kansas City Indoor/domed stadiums: AT&T Stadium (Dallas), NRG Stadium (Houston, retractable roof), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), BC Place (Vancouver, retractable roof) — these provide climate-controlled environments

If heat is a health concern:

• Schedule matches at domed/indoor venues where possible
• Attend evening matches rather than afternoon (lower temperatures)
• Plan rest periods between match days
• Carry personal cooling items (cooling towels, portable fans)

Sensory Considerations

For fans with autism, sensory processing differences, or anxiety:

Sensory rooms are available at several stadiums — contact individual venues well in advance to reserve. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) and SoFi Stadium (LA) have documented sensory programs.

Noise: World Cup stadiums are very loud (90–100 decibels during goals/celebrations). Quality noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs are recommended.

Crowds: Arrive early before peak congestion, identify quiet areas and exits, and have a clear exit plan if needed. Stadium accessibility staff are generally well-trained for sensory support — identify yourself to a steward on arrival.

Resources

FIFA Accessibility Information: FIFA.com — search "accessibility" for the official 2026 World Cup accessibility details

ADA National Network: adata.org — free information and technical assistance about the ADA

Individual stadium accessibility contacts: Each stadium has a dedicated accessibility services team. Contact them 4–6 weeks before your match to confirm seating arrangements, arrange any special accommodations, and understand parking options.

Travel insurance: Ensure your policy covers medical needs and provides adequate coverage for any equipment (wheelchairs, medical devices) during transit.