FIFA World Cup 2026 earns KultureCity Sensory Inclusive recognition

FIFA has secured first-ever Sensory Inclusive Tournament recognition for the FIFA World Cup 2026, backed by a commitment to provide dedicated sensory spaces across all 16 stadiums for every one of the tournament’s 104 matches.The programme, delivered with FIFA commercial partner Hisense and new supplier KultureCity, is designed to help fans with sensory sensitivities experience the event in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with access available once ticket holders enter the stadium footprint on matchday.Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026, said: “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. 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.”FIFA said each venue will include a quiet space where supporters can step away from matchday intensity to regulate their sensory experience, addressing barriers created by loud crowds, sudden noise spikes and constant movement.The rooms will feature dimmed lighting, reduced noise, comfortable seating and tactile resources, with Hisense televisions presenting calming visual content intended to support relaxation and sensory regulation.Catherine Fang, Vice-President of Hisense Group, said: “At Hisense, we believe every innovation should enrich every life. 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.”FIFA said sensory rooms will be positioned inside stadiums or within Stadium Fan Experience areas, with eight venues offering both options, and availability designed to cover the full duration of matchday activity.Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity, said: “We believe every fan deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, energy and connection of the FIFA 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.“Through this partnership with FIFA and Hisense, we are creating spaces where individuals with sensory needs and their families can fully participate in the world’s biggest sporting event with comfort, dignity and inclusion at the forefront.”Clear sensory bags will be available at fan information points, and KultureCity has developed multi-language “social story” guides to help supporters plan their stadium experience in advance.Hisense will also support KultureCity’s Make the Nevers Possible campaign by providing complimentary match tickets in each host city to families with sensory needs who might otherwise be unable to attend.The tournament begins in Mexico City on June 11 and runs until July 19, with FIFA positioning the initiative as part of a wider accessibility package that includes trained venue staff, live sign language interpretation for all matches, audio-descriptive commentary, and haptic boards for blind and low-vision fans at select stadiums.