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The 2026 World Cup is here and fans heading to the soccer matches will want to pay attention to a few new rules and regulations before they enter the stadium.
What Is the World Cup Bag Policy?
FIFA has introduced its bag policy for the international soccer tournament, and as expected, it follows similar procedures to other sporting events and concerts. According to the FIFA website, only clear plastic, vinyl or see-through PVC bags will be allowed into the soccer games, with a maximum size of 12 x 12 x 6 inches.
Stadium-Approved Clear Bag
FIFA says the clear bag policy is to “maintain a safe and efficient entry process,” letting security guards easily see what you’re bringing in through the doors.
Not sure if your bags fit the rules? Amazon has a number of clear bags available to purchase online, with many of them sized to meet the World Cup entry standards. We like the clear tote above, which features a durable and water-resistant plastic material, with reinforced shoulder straps.
Adidas World Cup Official Emblem Clear Bag
Adidas, meantime, makes this officially-licensed World Cup clear bag that features a zippered compartment and adjustable straps that let you wear it as a crossbody or sling bag.
Fans will be permitted to bring a small clutch or purse into the stadiums, and they don’t need to be clear or see-through. However, these bags (along with any large wallets or pouches) must be under 4.5 x 6.5 inches in size. Anything larger than that will likely be denied and you’ll need to check your purse into a locker before you enter.
GAYI URBAN Genuine Leather Wristlet Pouch
Amazon has this leather wristlet available for under $20. Available in your choice of eight colors, the pouch measures exactly 4.5 x 6.5 inches in size and can hold your keys, makeup, tickets and other small accessories with ease.
Keep in mind that the size of an iPhone 17 Pro Max is 6.9 inches, so you’ll want to hold your phone separately. Any non-clear bag that can fit your cell phone is likely too big to pass through security.
Clip and Go Strap for Phone with Wallet Crossbody
Our suggestion: pick up a phone lanyard like this one from Amazon, which attaches to your phone at one end, while letting you clip your keys along the strap. A small wallet attachment is also included, putting all your essentials (literally) right in front of you. I personally used this “Clip and Go” strap at a recent F1 race, and got through security in seconds — no questions asked.
Can You Bring Liquids to World Cup Matches?
As for what you’re allowed to carry in your bag? Makeup, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and other toiletries are allowed in, but they must not exceed 100ml in size. This is similar to current TSA regulations for carry-on luggage at the airport.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick
More than 30,000 shoppers have picked up this mini sunscreen stick in the last month alone, per Amazon. This one is safe to use on the face and body and has a sun protection factor of SPF50.
While FIFA had originally announced that fans could bring empty reusable water bottles into the stadiums to refill once inside, they recently reversed that decision, citing player safety. Fans will no longer be allowed in with any sort of water bottle or tumbler whatsoever — bad news for Lionel Messi fans who just bought his latest Stanley Cup collab.
Can You Bring a Portable Charger to World Cup Matches?
As for portable chargers, while power banks are allowed in with your bag, they must not exceed 4.7 inches x 6.7 inches in size. Security guards will also make sure your chargers are not prone to overheating, which could pose a fire or safety hazard.
INIU Ultra Mini Portable Charger
We like this portable charger, which measures just 3.3 x 2 inches in size and works for iPhones and Android devices that use a USB-C connection.
More than 10,000 people have purchased this pocket-sized power bank in the last month alone, with reviewers reporting that the charger can boost an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 75% battery life in under 30 minutes. “TempGuard 2.0” technology, meantime, prevents the charger from overheating, especially in the sure-to-be hot conditions at the soccer stadiums this summer.
Portable Mini Power Bank (Two-Pack)
This is the charger I personally use and I like how small it is (about the size of a tube of chapstick). It also easily plugs into your phone so I don’t have to worry about the power connection. In my experience, I can get one full charge on my iPhone 17 in about an hour. The handy LCD screen lets me know exactly how much juice I have left on my device. This Amazon deal gets you a two-pack of the top-rated chargers for under $30.
Can You Bring Flags, Signs or Banners Into the World Cup?
While soccer matches are known for their frenzied crowds and fan participation, FIFA is clamping down on what you can bring into the stadium to cheer on your team. According to the FIFA site, small flags, banners and posters will be allowed into the stadium but they must be made of a “fire-resistant material” and be no larger that 60 x 78 inches in size.
It goes without saying that the items must also not have any lewd or offensive language written or displayed on them. Anything deemed offensive by stadium officials will be subject to removal, as will the person displaying the signage, so maybe don’t be an asshole and leave the taunting and foul language at home.
Desert Cactus U.S. Soccer Flag
For more positive posturing, Amazon has this USMNT flag that measures 3 x 5 feet (or 36 x 60 inches in size). The durable polyester material holds up to outdoor use, and two metal grommets let you attach it to a pole or hang it once you’re done waving it at the game (note: you won’t be allowed to bring a flag pole into the stadium). You can find more country flags on Amazon.com.
Another regulation worth noting: FIFA says any “electronic, mechanical or manual devices that produce noise or other excessively loud sounds” will not be permitted into the World Cup matches. That means you will not be allowed to bring in items like vuvuzelas, whistles, air horns, loudspeakers, etc. Leave those noisemakers at home and cheer your team on with your hands and voice instead.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across venues in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Find last-minute tickets online here.