South African football supporters heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are being warned about items that won’t be allowed inside stadiums, including vuvuzelas.
Here’s the list of items that will NOT be allowed at World Cup stadiums
1. Food, drink, bottles, cans and outside alcohol, confiscated at the gate
Outside food and drink are generally not allowed. That includes bottles, cans, jars, reusable water bottles, thermoses, flasks, and alcoholic drinks not bought inside the venue. Liquids over 100ml are also banned unless they fall under a medical or baby-care exception.
2. Weapons, blades, sprays and tools, serious security breach
Any weapon or weapon-like item is banned, including firearms, ammunition, knives, bladed tools, tasers, stun guns, mace, pepper spray and work tools. FIFA also bans anything that could be used to stab, cut or injure someone. If security decides you are carrying a dangerous item, you can be removed, lose your ticket or accreditation, and may face civil or criminal penalties.
3. Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, lighters and matches, highest-risk items
Pyrotechnics and flame-producing items are treated very strictly. Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, explosives, detonators, lighters, matches and anything that creates smoke, heat or flame are prohibited. These are among the items most likely to trigger ejection and possible legal consequences.
4. Glass, hard containers and breakable objects, confiscated at the gate
Glass objects, breakable materials, hard cool-box style containers and especially hard packages are not allowed. Closed or capped bottles, cups, jars and cans are also prohibited.
5. Umbrellas, helmets, folding chairs and bulky items, not coming in
Golf umbrellas and beach umbrellas are banned, as are motorcycle helmets, hard hats, folding chairs, benches, boxes and other bulky items whose combined dimensions exceed 75cm. Strollers are also prohibited unless an accessibility or other specific exception applies through venue rules.
6. Non-clear bags and oversized bags, confiscated at screening
Backpacks, non-transparent bags, large purses and similar carry items are not allowed unless they meet FIFA’s clear-bag rule. If your bag is not clear plastic, vinyl or PVC, or is larger than the permitted size, expect to be turned away or told to dispose of it.
7. Vuvuzelas, air horns, whistles and loud noise makers, confiscated at the gate
FIFA bans excessive-noise instruments and devices, including vuvuzelas, whistles, air horns, loudspeakers and similar sound-makers. Musical instruments over 12cm x 12cm x 12cm are also prohibited unless specifically pre-approved.
8. Tripods, selfie sticks, drones and pro broadcast gear, not permitted
Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, remote-controlled aircraft, professional video cameras and broadcasting or telecom equipment that could interfere with stadium systems are all banned. Laser pointers are banned too.
9. Large flags, offensive banners and commercial signs, confiscated immediately
Flags, banners and posters with political, offensive, discriminatory or commercial messaging are not allowed. Even neutral flags are banned if they exceed 2m x 1.5m, and most poles or sticks are prohibited unless they meet a narrow plastic-flexible-pole exception.
10. Balls, frisbees, skateboards, scooters and similar items, not allowed in stands
Inflatable balls, darts, frisbees, bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, kick scooters and electric scooters are prohibited. Balloons and other inflated items are also banned, except for a specific exception for deflated footballs bought at a FIFA venue on match day.
11. Drugs, narcotics, powders and suspicious substances, major security issue
Illegal drugs, narcotics, stimulants, flour-like powders and other suspicious powdery materials are prohibited. Spray paint, paint cans, aerosols and large permanent markers are also banned.
12. Animals, disguises and body armour, banned except for narrow exceptions
Animals are not allowed except service animals. Disguises or anything intended to conceal identity are banned, although religious headwear and medical face coverings are expressly exempted. Bulletproof vests, martial arts gear and other body-protection equipment are also prohibited unless medically prescribed.
Items that will be allowed or conditionally allowed at World Cup stadiums
1. Clear bags and tiny clutch bags, allowed if they meet the size rule
You can bring one clear bag made of plastic, vinyl or PVC if it is no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Small clutch purses or wallets are also allowed, even if not clear, but only if they are about hand-size and no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.
2. Hand sanitizer and small makeup items, allowed in small quantities
Hand sanitizer is allowed if the container is 100ml or smaller. Small personal makeup items such as compact powder, eye shadow, blush, lipstick and lip gloss are also permitted.
3. Baby milk, sterilised water and medical liquids, allowed with limits
Baby milk and sterilised water are allowed up to one litre per child. Liquids needed for medical reasons are allowed up to 500ml, but you must have a medical certificate in English, French or Spanish. Medical food is also allowed if required and supported by medical documentation.
4. Medication, allowed if properly packed
Factory-packaged medication is allowed, provided it is not a prohibited substance and does not exceed a single package of more than seven different medicines. If it relates to a medical need, carrying supporting documentation is the safe option.
5. Flags and banners, allowed only if small and non-offensive
You can bring flags, banners and posters if they are not political, offensive, discriminatory or commercial, and if they do not exceed 2m x 1.5m. Flexible non-flammable plastic poles are allowed only if they are under 1 metre long and 1 centimetre in diameter.
6. Small musical instruments and one power bank, allowed with restrictions
Very small mechanical or manual musical instruments are allowed if they fit within 12cm x 12cm x 12cm. One personal-use power bank is also permitted, but it must be no larger than 12cm x 17cm.
7. Cigarettes and vapes, possession allowed but use banned inside
You may carry cigarettes and electronic smoking devices, including heated-tobacco products, but you are not allowed to use them inside the stadium. So they may pass security, but lighting up inside is still prohibited.
8. Deflated footballs bought at a FIFA venue, allowed as a narrow exception
Inflatable items are generally banned, but FIFA makes one specific exception: deflated footballs purchased on match day at a FIFA venue. An ordinary ball brought from outside is not covered by that exception.
9. Religious headwear, medical masks and service animals, clearly allowed
Religious headwear is permitted. Medical masks and face shields are allowed, and service animals are expressly permitted even though other animals are banned.
10. Wheelchairs, mobility devices and normal personal viewing aids, allowed where applicable
Manual wheelchairs and certain electric mobility devices are allowed for accessibility ticket holders. Small binoculars and ordinary non-professional camera use are generally permitted, although large binoculars, professional gear and camera mounts are not.
Bottom line
If you want the safest rule of thumb: bring only your ticket, phone, small wallet, keys, permitted medication, and a clear bag that meets the size rule. Anything bulky, noisy, sharp, glass, inflatable, professional-grade, political, or liquid-heavy is likely to be stopped at security.
FIFA also says the code can be updated, so the latest version should always be checked before match day.
