If you are heading to a World Cup 2026 match, your bag could decide whether you get in at all. FIFA's Stadium Code of Conduct applies a strict clear-bag policy at every one of the 16 venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and most stadiums offer no bag check. Turn up with a non-compliant bag and you may have to throw it away or make a long round trip before kickoff.

The core rule is simple. You may bring one clear bag made of transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC, no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches (about 30 by 15 by 30 cm). A one-gallon clear resealable bag of roughly 10 by 11 inches is also accepted. In addition, you may carry one small clutch or wristlet that does not need to be clear, up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches, about the size of your hand.

Standard backpacks are banned at every venue, whatever their size, and so are opaque purses, totes, camera bags and coolers. The ban list runs to around two dozen items and includes weapons, fireworks, flares, smoke devices, aerosol cans, drones, laser pointers, selfie sticks, tripods, professional cameras with detachable lenses, umbrellas, folding chairs and inflatables. Outside food and drink, glass containers and cans are also prohibited.

Flags are a special case that confuses many travelling fans. Flags are generally allowed as long as they are no wider than two metres and carry no political or offensive messaging, but flagpoles are not permitted. Check your stadium's own guidance, since some venues are stricter about flags and banners than others.

What should you actually pack? Travel light and keep everything inside your compliant clear bag: your phone and mobile ticket, photo ID matching the name on the ticket, a small portable charger, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light jacket, cash and cards, and a small point-and-shoot camera without a detachable lens. Some venues allow a factory-sealed plastic water bottle up to 20 ounces, while others have banned reusable bottles entirely and instead provide free hydration stations, misting areas and cooling tents inside. Check your stadium's latest update before matchday, since water rules have changed during the tournament build-up.

Expect airport-style screening at the gate: walk-through metal detectors or body scanners, a visual and physical bag check, and stewards directing the flow. Wear simple clothing, empty your pockets before the detector, and keep your ticket and ID ready. FIFA recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before kickoff, and lines for knockout matches and the final at MetLife will be longer, with larger outer perimeters.

Medical and accessibility exceptions exist, but they need planning. Fans with medical needs can usually bring necessary items, subject to inspection, and it is worth contacting your stadium in advance rather than assuming an exception at the gate. The same applies to baby supplies, which are inspected even where they are allowed.

The safest approach is to buy a compliant clear bag before matchday, pack only essentials, and verify your specific stadium's prohibited-items list the week of the match. Venue rules vary slightly, security staff have the final say on anything not listed, and confiscated items are not returned. A little preparation at home is what stands between you and a smooth walk through the gate.

June and July matches in the United States and Mexico can be extremely hot, and your bag choices should reflect that. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are essential at open-air venues, and light layers help for cooler evenings in Toronto and the northern host cities. Because many venues run cashless concessions, a card is more useful than cash, and free Wi-Fi inside stadiums is often saturated, so download your tickets, maps and transport information before you arrive.