A Super Bowl streaker’s brief moment in the spotlight is now serving as a warning shot to soccer fans eyeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a pitch invader was tackled and arrested during Super Bowl LX earlier this month, ticket marketplace SeatPick is cautioning supporters that attempting a similar stunt at the World Cup could lead to harsher consequences than a citation and 15 minutes of fame online.
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The ticket selling website commissioned data from major host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico to determine what kind of trouble daredevils could face if they try to steal the show.
“Some supporters assume pitch invasion is just a fine and a few minutes of fame.” SeatPick CEO Gilad Zilberman said in a statement. “The World Cup is a global event, and authorities take stadium security extremely seriously.”
With matches scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, penalties for running onto the field vary widely — and in some cases, they’re far harsher than fans might expect.
In Texas, it’s criminal trespass
In Texas, pitch invasions are typically classified as criminal trespass, a Class B misdemeanor.
That means someone who runs onto the field at a World Cup match in Houston could face:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Arrest and a permanent criminal record
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Other U.S. States: Criminal Charges, Jail Time Possible
The United States, which will host the majority of tournament matches, carries some of the toughest consequences for pitch invaders across locations.
In many states, stepping onto the field without permission isn’t treated as a harmless prank — it’s considered criminal trespass or disorderly conduct.
California
In California, entering a stadium field without authorization can qualify as misdemeanor trespass under state law. That means offenders could face:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500
- Arrest, a court appearance, and a permanent criminal record
Prominent California venues — such as SoFi Stadium and Levi’s Stadium — explicitly warn that unauthorized field entry can result in removal, arrest, and long-term bans from future events.
Florida
Florida treats pitch invasions as a first-degree misdemeanor under trespass statutes. Potential penalties include:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Penalties may be more severe if the act is tied to advertising, promotion, or social media stunts. Law enforcement in the state routinely prosecutes disruptions at major sporting events.
Canada: Heavy fines and long-term bans
In Toronto and Vancouver, pitch invasion is generally handled as trespass to property under provincial law. While jail time is less common for simple trespass, penalties can still sting.
Fans caught on the field could face:
- Fines reaching several thousand Canadian dollars
- Immediate removal from the stadium
- Formal trespass notices and long-term bans
Police may detain individuals temporarily if other public safety laws are triggered during the disruption. Even without prison sentences, the financial penalties and potential lifetime bans are designed to discourage would-be invaders.
Mexico: Unpredictable and potentially strict
In Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, the legal system operates differently from its U.S. and Canadian counterparts. Cases are typically decided directly by judges rather than juries, giving authorities significant discretion.
Pitch invasion may be treated as a public order offense or criminal violation, with possible consequences including:
- Immediate detention
- Court processing and fines
- Custodial penalties at a judge’s discretion
Unlike systems with standardized fines, outcomes in Mexico can vary depending on circumstances — including whether the act interfered with play or was linked to promotional or social media motives.
Foreign visitors could face added scrutiny, and legal complications may disrupt travel plans or affect future entry into the country.
Learn more about SeatPick and see their prices for Houston World Cup tickets here!