FIFA World Cup 2026 Earns Sensory Inclusive Tournament Recognition
This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the first sports tournament to gain Sensory Inclusive recognition from KultureCity, the world’s leading non-profit on sensory accessibility and acceptance.
In partnership with long-standing FIFA Commercial Partner Hisense and with ongoing guidance from FIFA’s new Official Supplier KultureCity, this initiative builds on FIFA’s belief that football is for everyone.
“Football unites the world, and it is our goal to help everyone to participate in the sport – whether as a player or as a fan,” said Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
“We are proud that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first-ever tournament to receive the Sensory Inclusive designation. With the resources provided, fans with sensory needs will be able to enjoy the beautiful game in person with us at the greatest FIFA World Cup yet.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches across 16 Host Cities over 39 days, starting in Mexico City on 11 June. For the first time in the history of the global showpiece, every stadium will include dedicated sensory spaces, thanks to a collaboration between FIFA, Hisense and KultureCity.
Research indicates that an estimated 5% to 16.5% of people experience sensory processing needs.
For fans who experience sensory overload, the intensity of live sporting events – including the high energy of the crowd, sudden cheers and ongoing movement – can make attending feel overwhelming or inaccessible. This initiative looks to change that, marking an important evolution in how global sporting events serve diverse audiences.
Fans at the upcoming competition will be able to access a sensory room once they have entered the stadium footprint on matchday. These spaces are designed for people who experience sensory overload – including individuals with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, anxiety and other conditions – and will provide calming, supportive environments amid the buzz of the match-going crowd.
Sensory rooms, presented by Hisense, will be provided to ticket holders at every stadium: each of the 16 venues will include a dedicated quiet space where fans can step away from the intensity of the match to regulate their sensory experience.
These rooms will feature dimmed lighting, reduced noise, comfortable seating, tactile resources and Hisense televisions presenting calming visual content.
“At Hisense, we believe every innovation should enrich every life,” said Catherine Fang, Vice-President of Hisense Group.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to ‘Innovating a Brighter Life’. True innovation means turning technology into access – and ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.”
Clear sensory bags will also be available at Fan Info points throughout the tournament for fans to use inside the stadiums and beyond, ensuring that families have access to resources that support their experience long after the final whistle.
Image: FIFA
