All 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico have strict bag rules.

You can only bring clear (transparent) bags that are not bigger than 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.

You can also bring one-gallon clear plastic bags (like Ziploc bags) or very small purses that are 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches or smaller.

Normal backpacks, big purses, camera bags, and bags that are not clear are not allowed at any stadium.

But different stadiums have different rules for some things. Some stadiums let you store bags that are not allowed (for a fee), some allow water bottles, and some have special rules. 

This guide will tell you what bags are allowed at every World Cup 2026 stadium, how each stadium is different, and how to prepare so you can enter the stadium quickly without any problems.

Quick Reference: Stadium Bag Policy Comparison

• Note: All stadiums follow the same basic clear bag rule. Differences for each stadium are explained in the sections below.

This section gives you specific information for each stadium. All stadiums follow the basic clear bag rule (12″x6″x12″ clear bags, 4.5″x6.5″ small purse, one-gallon Ziploc allowed). Below we tell you only what is different or special about each stadium.

1. AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

AT&T Stadium follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy. Clear bags up to 12″x6″x12″, one-gallon Ziploc bags, and small clutch bags up to 4.5″x6.5″ are allowed.

• Bag Storage: AT&T Stadium offers bag check service outside the stadium. If you arrive with a bag that is not allowed, you can store it for a fee (usually $5 for NFL events). The bag check locations are outside the main gates.
• Water Bottles: Factory-sealed plastic water bottles 20 ounces or smaller are allowed. Empty reusable bottles (plastic only, not metal) up to 20 ounces are also permitted and can be refilled inside.
• Special Note: AT&T Stadium is very large, and parking lots can be far from the entrance. If you need to go back to your car because of a wrong bag, it may take 30-40 minutes. Arrive early and bring the correct bag.

2. Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Arrowhead Stadium (also called Kansas City Stadium for the World Cup) follows the standard FIFA clear bag policy.

• Bag Storage: No bag storage or bag check service is available. If your bag does not meet the requirements, you must take it back to your vehicle or throw it away.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles up to 20 ounces are allowed. Empty plastic reusable bottles can be brought in and refilled at water stations inside the stadium.
• Accessibility: Fans with medical needs should use the designated accessible entrance. Contact the stadium at least 2 weeks before your match if you need to bring medical equipment.

3. BC Place (Vancouver, Canada)

BC Place in Vancouver follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy with the same size limits as all other stadiums.

• Bag Storage: No official bag storage service is available at BC Place. Plan to bring only approved bags.
• Water Bottles: Sealed water bottles 20 ounces or less are allowed. Empty bottles can be filled inside the stadium.
• Weather Note: BC Place is an indoor stadium with a roof, so you will not need umbrellas or rain gear inside. Vancouver can be rainy in June, but the match will be played under the roof.

4. BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)

BMO Field follows the standard FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy. Clear bags 12″x6″x12″ or smaller, Ziploc bags, and small clutches are allowed.

• Bag Storage: BMO Field does not provide bag check or storage services. Do not bring bags that do not meet the requirements.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles up to 20 ounces are permitted. Empty reusable bottles are also allowed and can be refilled inside.
• Getting There: BMO Field is accessible by Toronto public transit (TTC). Many fans will use the subway and streetcar to reach the stadium. Consider leaving large bags at your hotel if you are using public transport.

5. Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)

Estadio Akron follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy with the same international standard (12″x6″x12″ clear bags allowed).

• Bag Storage: Limited bag storage may be available, but this is not confirmed. Plan to bring only compliant bags to avoid problems.
• Water Bottles: Sealed water bottles are typically allowed at Mexican stadiums. Check with stadium officials closer to your match date for final confirmation.
• Weather Warning: Guadalajara is very hot in June and July. Stay hydrated before entering the stadium. Bring an empty bottle to fill inside, or buy water from vendors.

6. Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)

Estadio Azteca, one of the most famous stadiums in the world, follows FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag standards for this tournament.

• Bag Storage: Bag storage services may be available outside the stadium, but this is not guaranteed. Bring only approved clear bags.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles are generally allowed. Empty bottles can likely be refilled inside.
• Altitude Note: Estadio Azteca is at high altitude (2,200 meters / 7,200 feet above sea level). Drink plenty of water before and during the match to avoid altitude sickness.

7. Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico)

Estadio BBVA follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy. Transparent bags up to 12″x6″x12″, Ziploc bags, and small clutches are allowed.

• Bag Storage: No official bag storage service is confirmed. Prepare to bring only compliant bags.
• Water Bottles: Sealed water bottles up to 20 ounces are expected to be allowed, similar to other World Cup venues.
• Climate Note: Monterrey can be extremely hot in summer. Temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F). Arrive well-hydrated and use sunscreen if you have outdoor seating.

8. Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

Gillette Stadium follows the NFL clear bag policy, which is the same as the FIFA World Cup 2026 policy. Clear bags 12″x6″x12″, Ziploc bags, and clutches 4.5″x6.5″ are allowed.

• Bag Storage: No bag storage service is available at Gillette Stadium. If your bag does not meet requirements, you must return it to your vehicle.
• Water Bottles: Factory-sealed plastic water bottles 20 ounces or smaller are allowed. Empty plastic bottles can be brought in and refilled inside.
• Parking Note: Gillette Stadium has large parking areas, but they can fill up quickly. Arrive at least 2-3 hours before kickoff to find parking and get through security.

9. Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy. Clear bags, Ziploc bags, and small clutches are allowed.

• Bag Storage: No official bag storage or bag check service is available. Only bring approved bags.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles up to 20 ounces are allowed. Empty reusable bottles can be brought in and filled at water fountains inside.
• Weather Warning: Miami is very hot and humid in June and July. Temperatures often reach 32-35°C (90-95°F) with high humidity. The stadium has a partial roof, but sun protection is important. Stay hydrated.

10. Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)

Levi’s Stadium follows the standard FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy with the same size limits (12″x6″x12″ clear bags, 4.5″x6.5″ clutches).

• Bag Storage: Levi’s Stadium does not provide bag storage. Do not bring bags that do not meet the policy.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles 20 ounces or less are allowed. Empty bottles can be brought in and refilled inside the stadium.
• Location Note: Levi’s Stadium is in Santa Clara (Silicon Valley), not in San Francisco city. Use public transit (Caltrain, VTA light rail) if possible, as parking fills quickly for major events.

11. Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Lincoln Financial Field follows the NFL clear bag policy, which matches FIFA World Cup 2026 requirements. Clear bags 12″x6″x12″, Ziploc bags, and clutches are allowed.

• Bag Storage: No bag check or storage service is available. Only bring compliant bags.
• Water Bottles: Factory-sealed plastic water bottles up to 20 ounces are allowed. Empty reusable plastic bottles can be brought in and refilled inside.
• Public Transport option: Lincoln Financial Field is accessible by SEPTA (Philadelphia public transit). The Broad Street Line has a station at the stadium. This may be easier than driving and parking.

12. Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)

Lumen Field follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy. Clear bags up to 12″x6″x12″, one-gallon Ziploc bags, and clutches up to 4.5″x6.5″ are allowed.

• Bag Storage: Lumen Field does not provide bag check or storage services. Bring only approved bags.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles 20 ounces or smaller are allowed. Empty bottles can be refilled at water stations inside.
• Weather Note: Seattle weather in June is usually mild and pleasant, but it can rain. The stadium is partially open, so bring a light jacket. Small umbrellas that fit in your clear bag are allowed.

13. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium follows the standard FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy with the same size requirements as other venues.

• Bag Storage: No bag storage service is available. Only bring bags that meet the clear bag requirements.
• Water Bottles: Sealed water bottles up to 20 ounces are allowed. Empty reusable bottles can be brought in and refilled.
• Special Feature: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a retractable roof and is known for fan-friendly prices on food and drinks. The roof will likely be closed if it is very hot outside.

14. MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

MetLife Stadium follows the NFL clear bag policy. Clear bags 12″x6″x12″ or smaller, one-gallon Ziploc bags, and clutches 4.5″x6.5″ are allowed.

• Bag Storage: MetLife Stadium offers bag check services at designated locations outside the stadium gates. For NFL events, this service is usually free. For other events, there may be a $5 fee. Check before your match.
• Water Bottles: Factory-sealed water bottles or soft drinks up to 20 ounces are allowed. Reusable water bottles (empty, plastic only) up to 20 ounces can be brought in and refilled at fountains inside.
• Getting There: MetLife Stadium is in New Jersey, not New York City. Use NJ Transit trains from Penn Station in Manhattan or from Secaucus Junction. Allow extra time for train schedules and crowds.

15. NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)

NRG Stadium follows the FIFA World Cup 2026 clear bag policy. Clear bags up to 12″x6″x12″, Ziploc bags, and small clutches are allowed.

• Bag Storage: No official bag storage or bag check service is available at NRG Stadium. Only bring approved bags.
• Water Bottles: Sealed plastic water bottles 20 ounces or less are allowed. Empty bottles can be brought in and refilled inside.
• Climate Warning: Houston is extremely hot and humid in June and July. The stadium has a retractable roof and will likely be closed with air conditioning for comfort. Still, arrive well-hydrated.

16. SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)

SoFi Stadium follows the NFL clear bag policy. Clear bags must be 12″x6″x12″ or smaller, completely transparent with no tint or patterns. One-gallon Ziploc bags and clutches 4.5″x6.5″ are allowed.

• Bag Storage: SoFi Stadium offers bag valet service at four locations (SW, SE, NW, NE corners of the stadium). The cost is $20 per bag. Bags can be stored from gate opening until shortly after the event ends. This is more expensive than other stadiums.
• Water Bottles: SoFi Stadium policies can vary by event. For some events, sealed water bottles are allowed. For others, they are not. Check the official SoFi Stadium website 1-2 weeks before your match for confirmation. Empty reusable bottles are typically allowed.
• Important Notes: SoFi Stadium is very strict about bag policies. Clear bags must be completely transparent – no tinted plastic, no patterns, no large logos. The bag valet is the most expensive among World Cup venues ($20). Small umbrellas are allowed only if they fit completely inside your clear bag. Plan accordingly.

What Bags Are Allowed at FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums?

You can bring three types of bags to any FIFA World Cup 2026 stadium:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches – This is the most common option. The bag must be completely see-through (transparent) with no dark colors, patterns, or designs that block the view inside.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags – Regular Ziploc-style bags that you can buy at any grocery store. This is the cheapest option and works perfectly. The bag should be completely clear.
• Small clutch bags or wallets up to 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches – This is the only bag that does not need to be clear. It can be any color or material, but it must be small (about the size of your hand). You can carry this clutch bag alone OR along with a clear bag.

To help you understand the size: 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches is roughly the size of a large shoebox. Most people use either a clear tote bag or a one-gallon Ziploc bag because they are easy to find and cheap to buy.

Bags and Items That Are NOT Allowed

These Bags Are Banned At All World Cup 2026 Stadiums

• Backpacks (even small ones, unless they are completely clear and within the size limit).
• Large purses or handbags (bigger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches).
• Camera bags and laptop bags.
• Briefcases and suitcases.
• Diaper bags (unless they are clear AND within the 12x6x12 inch size).
• Coolers and insulated bags.
• Drawstring bags and fanny packs.

Items That Are NOT Allowed Inside Bags

• Outside food and drinks (except medical needs and baby formula – explained below).
• Umbrellas (unless they are very small and fit completely inside your allowed bag).
• Glass bottles or metal containers.
• Professional cameras with big lenses (lenses longer than 6 inches).
• Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks.
• Seat cushions.
• Weapons, knives, and dangerous items.
• Noise makers, laser pointers, and large flags with poles.
• Footballs and other sports balls.

Important: If you bring a bag or item that is not allowed, security will take it away and will NOT return it. Stadiums do not have storage areas where you can keep your items. Your only choices are to throw away the item or take it back to your car/hotel. Do not bring anything you cannot afford to lose.

Special Rules for Medical Items, Baby Supplies, and Disabled People

Medical Items and Equipment

If you need to bring medical items because of a health condition, you can bring them, but you must follow special rules:

What medical items are allowed:

• Insulin pens and glucose monitoring devices (for diabetes).
• EpiPens (for allergies).
• Inhalers (for asthma).
• Prescription medicines in their original packaging.
• Breast pumps.
• CPAP equipment (for sleep apnea).
• Wheelchairs, crutches, and walking sticks.

What you must do to bring medical items:

• Contact the stadium at least 2 weeks before the match and tell them about your medical needs
• Bring a doctor’s certificate or letter in English, French, or Spanish that explains why you need these items
• Arrive at the stadium at least 30 minutes earlier than other fans
• Use the special medical or accessibility entrance (different stadiums have different entrances – check your stadium information below)

Important note: “Medical” means you really need it for a health problem. It does not mean convenient or preferred. Security will check your doctor’s certificate carefully.

Diaper Bags and Baby Items

If you are bringing a baby to the match, you can bring a diaper bag, but it must follow these rules:

• The diaper bag MUST be clear (transparent) – it is not exempt from the clear bag rule.
• The diaper bag must be within 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches size (some stadiums may allow slightly bigger bags if it is clearly for a baby).
• Security will check everything inside the bag carefully.

What you can put in a diaper bag:

• Baby formula and baby food
• Diapers and wet wipes
• Baby bottles (can be plastic or glass for babies only)

Service Animals (Guide Dogs)

Only trained service dogs or miniature horses that help people with disabilities are allowed. The animal must:

• Be on a leash or harness at all times.
• Be under the owner’s control.
• Be trained to do specific tasks for a disability (not just for emotional support).

Note: Emotional support animals and pets are NOT allowed, even if they make you feel better. Only real service animals for disabilities are permitted.

Can You Bring Water Bottles and Food?

Water Bottles – What Is Allowed

Most FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums allow:

• Factory-sealed plastic water bottles up to 20 ounces (600ml) – The bottle must be completely sealed and unopened when you arrive at security. Once you pass through security, you can open and drink it.
• Empty reusable water bottles up to 20 ounces (600ml) – You can bring an empty plastic water bottle and fill it at water fountains inside the stadium. Metal bottles are usually not allowed.

Important: Some stadiums like SoFi Stadium may have stricter rules for certain events. Check the specific stadium section below to be sure. If you want to be safe, buy a sealed 20-ounce plastic water bottle – this is allowed at almost all stadiums.

Food – What Is Allowed

Outside food is NOT allowed at FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums. You must buy food inside the stadium. The only exceptions are:

• Baby formula and baby food (for infants)
• Food required for medical reasons (you must have a doctor’s certificate)

Do not try to bring snacks, sandwiches, fruits, or any outside food. Security will make you throw it away. Buy food from stadium vendors instead.

What to Do If You Arrive with the Wrong Bag?

If you arrive at the stadium with a bag that is not allowed, you have only a few options:

Option 1: Go Back to Your Car or Hotel

If you drove and parked at the stadium parking lot, you can walk back to your vehicle and leave the bag there.

This can take 20-40 minutes depending on how far you parked. If you are staying at a hotel nearby, you might be able to go back and leave the bag at your room (but this will make you very late for the match).

Option 2: Use Bag Storage Service (If Vvailable)

Only a few stadiums offer bag storage (check the table and stadium sections above). If your stadium has this service:

• AT&T Stadium: $5 fee (for NFL events), free for some events
• MetLife Stadium: Usually free for NFL events, $5 for other events
• SoFi Stadium: $20 per bag (most expensive)

Bag storage closes shortly after the match ends. You must pick up your bag before closing time, or it will be thrown away.

Option 3: Throw Away the Bag

If you cannot go back to your car and there is no bag storage, your only choice is to throw away the bag and its contents.

Security will not hold it for you. Stadiums will not store items or return them. Do not bring anything valuable that you cannot afford to lose.

• Best Advice: Check the bag policy before you leave your hotel. Buy a one-gallon Ziploc bag at any grocery store as a backup ($1 solution). Pack only essential items in your bag. The less you bring, the faster you will enter the stadium.

Where to Buy Approved Clear Bags Before Your Match?

Before You Travel to the World Cup:

If you are in India or another country before traveling, you can buy clear bags from online shopping websites:

• Amazon, Flipkart, or Other e-Commerce Sites – Search for “NFL clear bag 12x6x12” or “stadium approved clear bag”
• Sports Stores – Any large sports equipment store may have clear bags

These bags usually cost 800-1500 rupees (about $10-20 USD). Any bag that says “NFL compliant” will work for the World Cup.

After You Arrive in the USA, Canada, or Mexico:

You can buy clear bags easily at:

• Walmart – Available at all locations, usually $10-15
• Target – Clear tote bags in sports section, $12-18
• Dick’s Sporting Goods or Other Sports Stores – $15-25
• Stadium Team Stores – Available near the stadium or at official merchandise shops, but may be more expensive ($20-30)
• Airport Shops – Some airports in World Cup host cities will sell clear bags, but expect higher prices

Cheapest Option – One-gallon Ziploc Bags:

Go to any grocery store (Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, etc.) and buy a box of one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc brand or similar).

A box of 20-30 bags costs only $3-5 USD (about 250-400 rupees).

These bags work perfectly at all stadiums and are the easiest solution. Keep 2-3 bags with you as backup.

• Day of the Match (Emergency): Some stadiums sell clear bags at entry plazas, and street vendors outside stadiums may also sell them. But do not count on this. Prices will be high (maybe $15-30), and they may run out. Buy your bag 1-2 days before the match, not on match day.

Final Tips for Success

• Buy a clear bag or one-gallon Ziploc bags before match day
• Pack only essential items – phone, wallet, keys, tickets
• Arrive at the stadium 90-120 minutes before kickoff
• Check your specific stadium section above for any special rules
• Remove metal items from pockets before security checkpoint
• Have your digital ticket ready on your phone (FIFA app)
• When in doubt, bring less – the smaller your bag, the faster you enter

Following these rules will help you enter the stadium quickly and enjoy watching FIFA World Cup 2026 matches without any stress. Have a great time!