ull list of 33 items BANNED from World Cup stadiums – including one that could get you detained in host country
With the World Cup almost here, FIFA officials have warned fans about all the items banned from stadiums.
All prohibited items will be confiscated, but some could lead to you getting detained if you try to bring them in.
The 2026 World Cup is less than two weeks away, and football fans will soon be descending on stadiums in the US, Canada and Mexico to watch the tournament.
However, fans are warned that there are many restrictions on what you can actually bring with you.
FIFA has implemented a strict list of prohibited items across the three host countries, preventing fans from bringing a long list of items into the stadiums.
While the list includes commonly banned items such as weapons and explosives, there are some on the list that fans may not realise are prohibited.
Beach umbrellas, inflatables, selfie sticks and folding chairs are some of the unexpected items on the list that will be confiscated if found in your possession at the stadium entrance.
Food, drinks, cans and bottles are also banned from the stadiums.
Fans are permitted to bring in one empty clear plastic bottle, up to a litre, to fill up once inside.
“Excessive noise instruments” including air horns and vuvuzelas are also a no-go.
Anyone travelling to the stadium should be aware that only clear bags are permitted or non-clear wallets smaller than 6.5 x 4.5 inches.
Those carrying purses, backpacks and large bags will be turned away and there is no bag check on offer at the stadium either.
Some items may also incur harsher punishment than just being confiscated.
Fans caught with any form of pyrotechnic, including fireworks, flares and smoke bombs, will be ejected from the stadium, arrested and possibly even prosecuted.
Vapes, too, are strictly prohibited in the stadiums across three host countries, but any fans travelling to Mexico should exercise even more caution.
The country has a nationwide ban on the smoking items, and airport security will be on the lookout for anyone trying to bring a vape into the country.
While one vape may only lead to a fine and confiscation, bringing in multiple devices could lead to much larger fines and the possibility of a prison sentence.
The full list of prohibited items includes:
weapons of any kind, including for self-defence, such as tasers or pepper sprays
explosives or detonators
objects that could be used as a weapon including beach umbrellas, motorcycle helmets or hard hats
work tools of any kind
body-protection gear, including bullet-proof vests
helmets or any items that can conceal a person’s identity, except for religious headwear, medical masks and face shields
any items that can produce smoke, heat or flames such as lighters, fireworks and flares
toxic, radioactive or corrosive materials
highly flammable or corrosive items including spray paints and permanent marker pens
aerosol cylinders, flasks or thermoses of any kind
any closed or capped item that may be thrown (i.e. bottles or cans) and any objects made of glass
sports equipment (excluding clothing) such as inflatable balls and frisbees
other inflated or inflatable items, such as balloons
strollers, bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards and scooters
any large items which cannot be stored under a stadium seat, such as folding chairs and boxes
any large bags, backpacks or non-transparent bags
significant quantities of paper or rolls of paper
any quantities of powdery materials (some small makeup items, such as powder, will be permitted)
any animals, except service animals
any liquids containing alcohol, except hand sanitizer
any liquids bigger than 100ml not bought in the stadium, except baby milk or liquid for medical purposes
any food items not bought in the stadium, unless they are medically required or for babies/young children
drugs, narcotics or stimulants of any kind, unless they are medically required
any vapes, electronic smoking products or tobacco products
radio-electronic or high frequency devices
any musical instruments bigger than 12cm x 12cm x 12cm
electronic, mechanical or manual devices that produce excessively loud sounds, such as vuvuzelas, whistles or air horns
instruments that emit laser beams
any type of television or professional equipment capable of recording sound or audio, including professional video cameras
more than one set of extra batteries or rechargeable units
any mounts for photo and video equipment, such as tripods or selfie sticks
drones, unmanned aircraft systems and remote controlled aircrafts
large binoculars, except for partially sighted ticket holders
