Fans attending matches at the 2026 World Cup will face tougher rules for stadium entry with limits on the bags, horns and water bottles they are allowed to bring in with a recently confirmed Stadium Code of Conduct.
Spectators at matches between June 11 and July 19 can take empty reusable water bottles into the grounds, but common match day items like big bags, air horns and some instruments are prohibited.
The rules have been laid out ahead of the 16-stadium host country tournament that is expanding to 48 teams.
One of the main concerns for fans will be the new regulations concerning bags. In 2026, only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no bigger than 12 x 6 x 12 will be allowed in stadiums, with smaller wallets and clutch bags of no bigger than 4.5 x 6.5 also approved. Any non-transparent bags or larger items will not be allowed to enter, and fans may be required to take them to storage facilities provided at the grounds.
Common supporter items such as noise-making instruments are also set to be prohibited in 2026, with vuvuzelas, air horns and whistles all not allowed into stadiums due to concerns about safety, and pyrotechnic equipment, such as smoke bombs and flares, will also be banned for security. Musical instruments will be allowed in the stadiums, though some larger ones will need the approval of the tournament organisers ahead of time.
Standard flags and banners are all allowed in the stadiums, though under specified size limits, with larger items, including tifos, needing approval from officials before the game, and all political, offensive or discriminatory material will be prohibited. Food and drinks will generally be banned from the grounds, but empty reusable plastic bottles holding up to one litre will be allowed in and can be refilled with water at the grounds. This will be seen as particularly important due to the expected extreme heat during matches. Other standard items such as phones, watches and medical masks will all be permitted.
As match day approaches, it is expected that additional guidelines on things like banners will be provided by FIFA, as over a million people are anticipated at the biggest World Cup in history next summer, making rules crucial for smooth entry and games.
