The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you have tickets — to a group stage match in Dallas, a knockout round in New York/New Jersey, the final at MetLife — there's one question you need to answer before you fly out:
What bag can I actually bring?
The short answer: a clear bag, 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller, plus a small clutch. The same rule at every stadium. Here's the full guide so you walk through security on day one without surprises.
The official policy (same at all 16 stadiums)
FIFA has implemented a uniform clear bag policy across all 16 host stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. That means whether you're at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, MetLife in New Jersey, SoFi in Los Angeles, Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, or BC Place in Vancouver, the rules are identical.
You can bring one of the following:
- A clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" (approximately 30 cm x 15 cm x 30 cm)
- A small clutch bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately 11 cm x 16.5 cm) — this one doesn't need to be clear and can have a strap
You can carry one of the above plus a clutch — so a clear stadium bag with a small non-clear wallet on a chain is permitted.
What's NOT allowed
FIFA's policy is stricter than most US college football venues. The following are banned at every World Cup stadium:
- Backpacks of any size, including small daypacks
- Opaque tote bags, handbags, or purses larger than the clutch limit
- Camera bags or binocular cases (the camera or binoculars themselves may be allowed depending on venue — just no case)
- Crossbody bags that aren't transparent
- Bags with multiple compartments
- Mesh, woven, or fabric bags
- Bags with opaque prints or patterns
Critical thing to know: FIFA has confirmed that World Cup stadiums will not provide bag storage or bag check. If you arrive with the wrong bag, you'll be asked to leave it at an external storage facility — if one exists nearby — or discard it before entering. There is no "we'll hold it for you" option.
The lesson: pack the right bag before you leave for the stadium. Don't rely on figuring it out at the gate.
Other prohibited items
While we're on the topic, here's what else won't make it through security:
- Outside food and beverages, including bottled water, cans, glass bottles, coolers, and packed meals (you can buy concessions inside)
- Umbrellas of any size — they're considered both view obstructions and potential weapons
- Vuvuzelas, air horns, bullhorns, and other "excessive noise instruments"
- DSLR cameras and cameras with detachable lenses (most stadiums allow standard phone cameras and small point-and-shoots)
- Smoke-generating objects, flares, fireworks — obviously
- Banners or flags larger than 2 meters x 1.5 meters, or attached to a pole
The 16 host cities
The World Cup 2026 runs June 11 to July 19, 2026, with 104 matches across 16 cities:
United States (11 host cities): Atlanta, Boston/Foxborough, Dallas/Arlington, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
Canada (2 host cities): Toronto, Vancouver
Mexico (3 host cities): Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
The bag policy is the same at all of them. One good clear bag travels the whole tournament.
What to pack in your clear bag
If you're flying to a host city for a match — maybe more than one — here's a practical packing list for what goes inside the 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag:
- Phone and portable charger — you're going to be navigating an unfamiliar stadium and city; battery anxiety is real
- Wallet — ID, credit card, a small amount of local currency for vendors
- Hotel room key or hotel card
- Sunscreen — a TSA-size tube. Most matches are afternoon, summer, often in heat
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues or wet wipes
- A light scarf or shawl — stadium air conditioning, evening matches, or unpredictable weather
- A copy of your ticket QR code — if your phone dies, you'll be glad you printed it
- Passport or ID copy if you're traveling internationally
The 4.5" x 6.5" clutch is for the essentials only: phone, ID, credit card, lip color, key. Keep it minimal so it doesn't bulge.
The bag that works at the World Cup AND every other stadium
Here's something most fans don't realize: the 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag standard isn't unique to FIFA. It's the same standard used by:
- The NFL (all 32 stadiums since 2013)
- The SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and most Power Four college football conferences
- Most MLB stadiums
- The NBA at many arenas
- Major concerts and festivals
- The Olympics (most recent host cities)
Which means a good clear handbag isn't a single-use purchase for the World Cup. It's an event accessory that travels with you to concerts, college football season, NFL games, and the next big event you fly to. One bag, every stadium, indefinitely.
That's why we designed our clear handbag collection the way we did — properly sized at 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller, polished gold hardware, real silhouettes, dimensions clearly listed on every product page so you know exactly what you're getting.
- The Mini Andrea Clear Top Handle Bag — polished gold top handle and adjustable shoulder strap, available in white, red, navy, black, clear, and maroon. The most-loved travel piece in our collection.
- The Ashley Clear Handbag — our equestrian-inspired horsebit detail in white, black, navy, and red. Refined enough for a stadium suite or post-match dinner.
- The Stephanie — gold rivets and a detachable chain. Crossbody or clutch, two ways to wear.
- The Janette — camera-bag silhouette with a coated canvas geometric trim. Travel-friendly.
All four are sized to meet World Cup standards — and dimensions are listed on every product page so you can verify before purchase.
Pro tips for traveling fans
A few things experienced stadium travelers do that first-timers often miss:
- Arrive early. Security lines at international events run longer than typical NFL or college games. Plan for 60-90 minutes from gate to your seat.
- Pack lighter than you think. The temptation is to bring "just in case" items. Don't. The clear bag fills up fast.
- Bring a folded backup clear bag. If your primary bag is rejected for any reason (slightly oversized, a small pocket they don't like), having a spare clear ziploc-style bag in your pocket means you can transfer your essentials and still get in.
- Leave the camera bag at the hotel. Even if you bring your camera, the case isn't allowed. Carry the camera bare or wrap it in a packing cube in your clear bag.
- Check your hotel's bag-storage policy. Some hotels in host cities will hold larger bags for the day for hotel guests. Call ahead.
- Plan for the weather. Most US host cities will be hot and humid in June and July. Pack a TSA-size deodorant and an extra shirt if you're traveling between matches.
The final word
The World Cup is once-a-generation. Don't let a bag policy ruin your day. The rule is simple, the rule is universal, and the right bag will travel with you from the group stage in Atlanta to the final in New York/New Jersey — and to every concert, college football Saturday, and NFL Sunday after that.
Gameday Roots. Everyday Luxury. See you in the stands.
— Julie
