A practical packing guide for first-time international fans
[human-written introduction]
15-Item Quick-Scan Checklist
- Passport (or passport + REAL ID for U.S. domestic flights)
- Digital match ticket downloaded to your phone & wallet app
- Credit/debit card + small emergency cash (USD/CAD/MXN)
- Clear, stadium-compliant bag ≤ 12 in × 6 in × 12 in (30 cm × 16 cm × 30 cm)
- Lightweight rain poncho – umbrellas are banned under FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct
- Layered clothing matched to local climate (see tips below)
- Sun gear: hat, sunglasses, non-aerosol SPF 30+
- Portable phone charger/power bank ≤ 12 cm × 17 cm (per FIFA limit)
- Universal travel plug adaptor + short USB-C/Lightning cable
- Empty plastic water bottle (refill inside; 1 L max if allowed)
- Earplugs or small noise-reducing headphones
- Personal medications in original packaging + copy of prescription
- Mini first-aid kit: band-aids, blister plasters, pain reliever
- Team jersey, flag (≤ 2 m × 1.5 m) & face paint – no poles or political slogans
- Transit card/rideshare app pre-loaded for the city you’re in
Sidebar: Stadium bag rules vary. Tap the Bag Policy tab inside each of our venue guides (e.g., BMO Field Toronto, MetLife Stadium New Jersey) before you zip up.
1. ID & Tickets
Border ID: Your passport is the one document every U.S., Canadian, and Mexican border officer accepts. For flights within the United States, you’ll also need a REAL ID-compliant licence or a passport after 7 May 2025 TSATSA.
Digital tickets: World Cup 26 is 100 % mobile. Download each ticket and screenshot the QR as backup in case of poor cell service. Keep your phone battery above 20 % or your entry scan may fail—see the Electronics section for power tips.
Hard copies: Print your itinerary, hotel address, and onward match tickets. Border officials occasionally ask for proof of departure when you plan to cross into another host country.
2. Clothing & Climate Hacks
United States
- Southern venues (Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles): Expect humid 30 °C+ (86 °F) afternoons. Wear moisture-wicking T-shirts; carry a neck gaiter you can soak in cold water.
- Northern venues (New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco area): Evenings can drop below 18 °C (64 °F). Bring a packable mid-layer or light jacket.
Canada
- Toronto & Vancouver: Lakeside breezes and Pacific fog mean rapid temperature swings. A thin wind-breaker plus a hoodie keeps you covered.
- Night matches: Temperatures can sink to 12 °C (54 °F) even in June—stadiums supply blankets only in premium seats.
Mexico
- Mexico City & Guadalajara: High-altitude sun is deceptively strong; UV index often hits 11. Light, long-sleeve layers + SPF are safer than sleeveless tops.
- Monterrey: Early-summer highs above 35 °C (95 °F). Opt for breathable fabrics and a hat with neck coverage.
Rain showers are common in all three countries from June to early July. Pack a disposable poncho instead of an umbrella (prohibited item).
3. Electronics
- Phone & charger: FIFA allows one power bank per fan, ≤ 12 cm × 17 cm (roughly 20,000 mAh). Larger units may be confiscated.
- Adapters & voltage: U.S. and Canada use 120 V, Mexico 127 V; all share Type A/B plugs. Pack a universal adaptor if your charger is EU/UK/AU.
- Roaming vs. eSIM: Buying an eSIM for North America avoids bill shock and keeps your ticket app connected once the stadium Wi-Fi bogs down.
4. Health & Comfort
Bring any prescription medication in original blister packs plus a copy of the prescription (paper or PDF). FIFA allows medical liquids/foods under 1 L with a doctor’s note.
Hydration: Empty bottles up to 1 L are generally OK; many venues offer free refill stations. BMO Field, for instance, permits clear bottles ≤ 1 L once screened.
Ear protection: Crowd noise routinely tops 100 dB. Foam plugs weigh nothing and spare your hearing.
Sun & insect care: Sunscreen must be non-aerosol. Mosquito repellent is smart for evening fixtures in Houston or Miami.
5. Fan Gear
Flags ≤ 2 m × 1.5 m, plastic flagpoles ≤ 1 m long, and small drums are fine if approved in advance; anything larger or with political messaging can be confiscated.
Banned sound devices: Vuvuzelas, air horns, and oversized speakers are prohibited across all stadiums.
Paint sticks and glitter are borderline—check your specific stadium’s FAQ the day before you travel.
6. Prohibited & “Double-Check” Items
| Check | Why it matters | Source |
| Umbrellas, selfie sticks, tripods | Block sight-lines or act as projectiles | FIFA Code of Conduct |
| Non-clear backpacks, tote bags > 12 × 6 × 12 in | Fail clear-bag rules | BMO Field / MetLife Stadium |
| Loose batteries > 100 Wh or multiple power banks | Fire-safety limit | FIFA Code of Conduct |
| Outside alcohol/glass bottles | Safety, licensing | FIFA Code + venue rules |
| Professional camera lenses > 6 in | Broadcast rights | FIFA Code of Conduct |
Smart move: Photograph the contents of your bag. If security asks you to gate-check an item, you’ll know exactly what was taken.
Final Prep & CTA
The World Cup 26™ spans 16 cities and three countries—each with its own climate quirks and security staff. Stick to the checklist above, layer for the weather, and always confirm the bag policy linked in our Stadium Guide Hub before heading out. The right gear means you breeze through security, stay comfortable for 90+ minutes, and never miss that once-in-a-lifetime moment on the pitch. Safe travels and see you in the stands!