- By Samannay Sen
- Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
FIFA World Cup 2026 Prohibited Items: With less than two days remaining until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, tournament organisers have intensified preparations for what is expected to be the largest edition of the competition in football history.
Alongside ticketing, transportation and fan experience arrangements, security protocols have emerged as a key focus area, prompting FIFA to publish a comprehensive list of items that spectators will be prohibited from bringing into stadiums.
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The regulations, which apply across all World Cup venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, cover everything from reusable water bottles and large backpacks to drones, flares and professional recording equipment. Additionally, FIFA have put a ban on refillable bottles, adding them to the list of prohibited items for the 2026 marquee event.
Last month, FIFA's official stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium."
A spokesperson from FIFA stated in a statement, "FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. FIFA decided to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
"FIFA decided to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees. Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums," he added.
Hence, the new rules will make the fans rely on stadium vendors, which can raise concerns over exorbitant prices during peak temperatures. As millions of fans prepare to travel for the tournament, understanding these restrictions could prove essential to ensuring a smooth match-day experience.
Image Credits: REUTERS
Complete List Of Items Banned at World Cup Stadiums
- Any kind of weapons
- Explosives and Harmful Items
- Items that could be used as weapons or thrown as projectiles (including umbrellas and hard hats)
- Any type of tools
- Body armor or protective gear
- Helmets, face coverings, or items used to conceal identity
- Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, and smoke-emitting devices
- Toxic, radioactive, or corrosive items
- Spray cans, flammable substances, and paint
- Thermoses and flasks
- Bottles, cans, cups, and other drink containers (including refillable bottles)
- Sports equipment (including balls, darts, and Frisbees)
- Stools, benches, and folding chairs
- Non-clear bags, backpacks, large purses, camera bags, and seat cushions with zippers
- Large quantities of paper
- Flour or similar powder substances
- Pet Animals
- Liquids larger than 100ml (with limited exceptions such as small hand sanitisers)
- Outside food
- Drugs, narcotics, or even stimulants
- Banners, flags, flyers, or materials with political, offensive, or discriminatory content
- Oversized flags, banners, or posters (larger than 2m x 1.5m)
- Flagpoles, sticks, and similar items
- Promotional or commercial signage or materials
- Radio, electronic, or high-frequency transmission devices
- Musical instruments larger than the permitted size limits
- Noisemakers (including vuvuzelas, air horns, whistles, and loudspeakers)
- Laser pointers or laser-emitting devices
- Televisions, broadcast equipment, and professional video cameras
- Excess batteries beyond permitted limits
- Mounts for cameras or phones (including tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks)
- Drones, remote-controlled aircraft and large binoculars
According to FIFA, these wide-ranging measures have been designed to create a safer, more controlled environment as the World Cup has expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches across North America.