With the World Cup fast approaching, FIFA officials have issued a strict warning to fans about prohibited items that will not be allowed inside stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to FIFA’s updated security policy, all banned items will be confiscated at entry points, while possession of certain restricted goods, particularly illegal substances or prohibited electronic smoking devices in some host countries, could lead to detention or prosecution.
Authorities say the measures are part of a unified security framework designed to ensure safety across all tournament venues.
Everyday items such as beach umbrellas, selfie sticks, inflatables, folding chairs, and oversized bags are among those explicitly prohibited.
Electronic smoking devices are also banned inside stadiums, and fans traveling to Mexico face stricter enforcement due to national laws restricting vaping products. In such cases, possession of multiple devices or commercial quantities could attract severe penalties, including fines or possible jail terms.
Pyrotechnics such as flares, smoke bombs, and fireworks are strictly prohibited at all venues, with offenders facing immediate removal, arrest, and criminal charges.
FIFA has also enforced strict bag and entry regulations. Only transparent bags or very small clutches are allowed, while outside food, drinks, and containers are generally banned, except for approved medical or infant items. Fans may bring a single empty transparent plastic bottle for refilling inside stadiums.
Noise-making devices, including vuvuzelas, air horns, and whistles, are also prohibited, with fans encouraged to rely on vocal support instead.
The official tournament code of conduct lists 33 categories of banned items, including:
Weapons of any kind, including self-defense tools such as tasers and pepper spray
Explosives or detonators
Improvised weapons, including hard or heavy objects that can be weaponised
Work tools of any kind
Protective combat gear such as bulletproof vests
Face coverings that conceal identity (with exceptions for religious or medical use)
Items producing fire, smoke, or heat, including flares and fireworks
Hazardous, toxic, or radioactive materials
Flammable substances such as spray paint
Pressurised containers including aerosols and thermoses
Objects that can be thrown, including glass bottles and cans
Inflatables, balloons, and similar items
Sporting equipment such as inflatable balls and frisbees
Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other personal transport devices
Large or oversized items that do not fit under stadium seats
Oversized or non-transparent bags
Large quantities of paper or powder substances
Animals, except certified service animals
Alcoholic beverages and related liquids
Liquids over 100ml brought from outside the stadium
Outside food items not medically required
Illegal drugs or controlled substances without prescription
Vaping devices, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes
Signal jamming or communication disruption devices
Large musical instruments and excessive noise-making devices
Laser pointers
Professional broadcast or recording equipment
Excess batteries or power banks beyond permitted limits
Camera stands such as tripods and selfie sticks
Drones and remote-controlled aerial devices
Large binoculars not required for medical use
FIFA says the list is designed to maintain safety, prevent disruptions, and ensure a secure environment for fans, players, and staff throughout the tournament.
