"Experience the Unthinkable: World Cup Fans to Relax on Luxury Couches Right on the Pitch at 82,500-Seat Stadium!"

FANS at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 will be able to get closer to the action than ever before.

This summer’s World Cup will see fans with deep pockets given an opportunity to watch football games from luxury sofas placed directly ON the pitch.

England will face Panama at the Metlife stadium and some fans will be able to watch the game from sofas placed on pitch side Credit: Getty For some fans, this World Cup is the most expensive for a number of reasons, including ticketing, but FIFA wants to create an unforgettable experience for those who can afford it Credit: Alamy

In a first-of-its-kind move, is offering just 12 exclusive couch seats at MetLife Stadium, also known as New York New Jersey Stadium , giving lucky fans a front-row experience like no other.

England will take on Panama in their final group game , so some English fans will have first-hand experience of this facility

Those who can splash out won’t just see every kick up close, they could even hear players’ on-field chatter and feel the intensity from just yards away.

The plush pitchside seats, organised by FIFA’s hospitality partner On Location, will be available for all eight matches at the venue, including the World Cup final on July 19.

On Location president Paul Caine said : “That’s never been done before where you can literally sit on the pitch.

“You’ll pay a premium compared to sitting higher up, but our job is to bring fans closer than ever to the matches they love.”

While prices haven’t been made public, the seats are part of FIFA’s ultra, exclusive “Pitchside Lounge” package, and can only be secured by contacting the company directly.

Fans lucky enough to bag a sofa for the final will also score meet-and-greets with players and top officials.

But the eye-watering experience comes as FIFA faces backlash over soaring ticket prices for the 2026 tournament.

Caine defended the costs, insisting there are still options for all budgets across the 104 matches.

He said: “There are tickets at all price points. But the biggest games are always going to grab the headlines.”

He admitted, however, that premium packages aren’t aimed at the average fan.

There is expected to be huge demand for the luxury tickets especially with games involving countries like the USA and Canada Credit: Getty FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants fans to get closer to the pitch than ever before Credit: Reuters

Adding: “Our role isn’t the lowest-priced ticket, it’s delivering a top-tier experience for those willing to pay for it.”

In some cases, those luxury packages may even offer better value than resale tickets.

For example, fans looking to see the men’s national soccer team take on Australia in Seattle have seen resale prices soar past £4,000, while premium hospitality options nearby are being offered for less, complete with food, drinks and exclusive perks.

And demand is just as fierce for clashes like Colombia vs Portugal national football team in Miami, where resale seats are also skyrocketing.

On top of that, organisers are planning celebrity-filled experiences, with big names and football legends set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

For fans with deep pockets, it’s set to be the most immersive, and extravagant, World Cup yet.