World Cup 2026 Packing List

Pack for two distinct contexts: stadium match days (strict rules, hot weather, long days outside) and travel days (multi-city moves, airline weight limits, mixed climates from Vancouver to Monterrey). This list is opinionated — actual essentials, no filler.

Stadium essentials (clear bag contents)

• Phone + cable + small power bank (under 10,000 mAh — large batteries are flagged at some venues). Match days drain phones — countdown apps, ride-share, photos, FIFA app.
• Reusable water bottle, factory-sealed or empty (filled at stadium fountains). Plastic only — glass and metal are banned.
• Wallet, passport, ticket — keep ID separate from wallet in case of loss.
• Sunscreen (≤100 mL container), SPF 30+. Critical for daytime matches in Dallas/Houston/Miami.
• Hat with brim — soft brim, no rigid hat that could be deemed a "hard object" projectile.
• Cash — small bills for tips, fan zone food trucks (concessions in stadium are cashless-only at most US venues but the surrounding fan zones often need cash).
• Compact rain poncho — disposable plastic poncho, pocketable. Folds to deck-of-cards size. Storm-prone cities (Miami, Atlanta, Houston in June-July).
• Approved flag/banner if you want to show support — max 1×2 m, no political messages, no metal pole.

What NOT to bring to stadiums

• Outside food (sometimes water OK; verify per stadium)
• Glass bottles, metal cans, hard plastic bottles
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses (most venues — phones are fine)
• Selfie sticks, GoPro mounts
• Large power banks (>10,000 mAh)
• Drones, including in checked bags within 5km of stadiums
• Air horns, vuvuzelas (banned at most venues)
• Hard hats, helmets, anything weapon-like — even small pocket knives
• Markers/spray (deemed potential vandalism tools)

Clothing — by destination

Electronics

• Phone + dedicated charging cable (don't share with travel partner — match days will be drain races)
• Power bank 10,000 mAh — full day of heavy phone use
• Universal adapter if coming from outside North America. US/Mexico/Canada all use Type A/B plugs (the same flat 2-prong + ground). UK/EU/AU travelers need an adapter.
• Voltage: All three host countries are 110-120V / 60Hz. Most modern devices (phones, laptops) accept 100-240V — check the label.
• eSIM for data — buy before flying, activate on arrival. See card below.

Documents

• Passport valid 6+ months past return
• Printed copies of ESTA / eTA / visa approval
• Match tickets (in FIFA app + printed backup)
• Hotel reservations printed for the first night (border officers may ask)
• Travel insurance policy + emergency contact number
• Driver's license if renting a car. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for Mexico, optional for US/Canada with most home licenses.
• Cash + 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard). If one card is blocked or lost, you're not stranded.

Medical

• Prescription meds in original packaging, with copy of prescription
• Ibuprofen / acetaminophen (heat, hangovers, sore feet — all guaranteed)
• Bandages, blister patches (long walking days)
• Hand sanitizer
• Anti-diarrheal (Imodium) — Mexico precaution
• Rehydration sachets
• Mild antihistamine for unexpected allergies

Money & cards

• 2 credit/debit cards, kept in separate places
• $100-200 in USD cash for arrival emergencies
• For Mexico: get pesos from a bank ATM after arrival, not the airport exchange counter
• Wise or Revolut card if you have one — best exchange rates

Things you probably don't need

• Travel adapter for North America if you're already from North America (everyone uses the same plug)
• Heavy laptop unless you genuinely need it for work
• Multiple pairs of dress shoes — one nice + sneakers covers everything
• Big DSLR camera — phone photos are better than struggling with weight
• Local guidebook in print — your phone is the guidebook

Aim for a single carry-on if possible — multi-city flights with checked bags get expensive ($75-150 per checked bag on most budget carriers). Pack laundry detergent sheets and wash a couple of t-shirts mid-trip.