When the FIFA World Cup 2026 opens on June 11, fans with sensory needs will find support at every match across Canada, Mexico and the United States — making this the first tournament to earn Sensory Inclusive recognition from KultureCity, the global nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility.
In partnership with long-standing FIFA Commercial Partner Hisense and guided by FIFA’s new Official Supplier KultureCity, the initiative reflects FIFA’s belief that football is for everyone.
“Football unites the world, and it is our goal to help everyone take part in the sport — whether as a player or as a fan,” FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said.
“We are proud that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first-ever tournament to receive the Sensory Inclusive designation. With these resources, fans with sensory needs will be able to enjoy the beautiful game in person at the largest FIFA World Cup yet.”
Research shows that an estimated 5%-16.5% of people experience sensory processing needs.
For fans who experience sensory overload, the intensity of live sporting events — the crowd, sudden cheers, constant movement — can make attending feel overwhelming. This initiative aims to change that, marking a major step forward in how global events serve diverse audiences.
Fans will be able to access a sensory room once inside the stadium footprint on matchday.
These spaces are designed for individuals with autism, PTSD, dementia, anxiety and other conditions, offering calming environments amid the buzz of the crowd.
Sensory rooms, presented by Hisense, will be available to ticket holders at every stadium. Each of the 16 venues will include a quiet space where fans can step away to regulate their sensory experience. Rooms will feature dimmed lighting, reduced noise, comfortable seating, tactile resources and Hisense televisions showing calming visual content. Hisense’s advanced display technology provides balanced visuals to support relaxation.
“At Hisense, we believe every innovation should enrich every life,” Hisense Group VP Catherine Fang said. “True innovation means turning technology into access – and ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.”
Sensory rooms will be located either inside the venue or in the Stadium Fan Experience area. At eight stadiums, both options will be available. No matter the Host City, fans will have access throughout the match, recognizing that sensory needs can arise at any time.
KultureCity Executive Director Uma Srivastava said every fan deserves the chance to experience the joy and connection of the World Cup.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 achieving the first-ever KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Tournament recognition is a historic milestone for accessibility in global sports,” she said. “We are creating spaces where individuals with sensory needs and their families can fully participate with comfort, dignity and inclusion at the forefront.”
Clear sensory bags will also be available at Fan Info points for use inside stadiums and beyond, giving families tools that support their experience long after the final whistle.
KultureCity and FIFA have also developed multilingual “social story” venue guides to help fans prepare before they arrive — reducing anxiety and creating a more welcoming environment. More details are available at KultureCity.org.
Hisense will also support KultureCity’s Make the Nevers Possible campaign, providing complimentary match tickets in each Host City to families with sensory needs who may otherwise be unable to attend.
The initiative builds on FIFA’s broader focus on social responsibility and inclusivity. Additional accessibility services at the 2026 tournament will include trained venue staff to assist attendees with sensory needs, along with support for fans with other accessibility requirements.
This year’s World Cup will be the first to feature live sign language interpretation for all matches, available both inside stadiums and for fans watching elsewhere.
Haptic boards for blind and low-vision fans will be offered at select stadiums, and audio-descriptive commentary will be available for all matches. Mobility assistance, accessibility tickets and more will also be provided. Fans can learn more at Inside.FIFA.com or on the official tournament app.
