What fans can and can't bring into World Cup games at Seattle Stadium
Everyone heading to a World Cup match this summer will have their own pregame routine. Athletes have warm-ups. Coaches give pep talks. Fans … well, fans do all kinds of things, but at least one part of that routine should include checking what you're bringing and if it's allowed.
FIFA has outlined the dos, don'ts and can'ts in the World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct. The 35-page document includes a lengthy list of items that aren't allowed and mentions a few that are.
It's the fans' responsibility to check and comply with the "latest and effective" version of the stadium code of conduct, according to FIFA. A failure to do so could result in being removed from the game, having tickets canceled or, in some cases, more serious penalties with law enforcement.
If you're planning to attend any of Seattle's six World Cup matches between June 15 and July 6, this guide has you covered on key topics, and a list of many of the items you'll want to avoid bringing with you on game day.
From water bottles to musical instruments, here's what you need to know before you walk into Seattle Stadium:
Water bottles
Each fan can bring one soft, plastic, 20-ounce, sealed disposable water bottle into the stadium.
FIFA announced a ban of all water bottles earlier this month, reversing their initial policy. The decision drew immediate backlash with fans voicing concerns about safety amid the summer heat. FIFA released a new policy, allowing one plastic bottle per fan, but all other reusable and hard bottles remain banned.
The Stadium Code of Conduct linked on FIFA's website did not reflect the new policy as of June 11, however the change was announced by FIFA in a social media video.
Bags
Fans may bring in clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC material that are under 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Nonclear purses and wallets about the size of a hand, or under 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, are also allowed in.
The policy also states that all "nontransparent bags, backpacks, large purses, camera bags, seat cushions with pockets, zippers, compartments or covers, and other similar items" are not allowed. Fans who attempt to bring prohibited bags into the stadium may be asked to throw them away or find a place to store them outside of the stadium.
Lockers
Vendors offering bag storage, similar to what's seen during football and baseball games, are expected to operate during Seattle's World Cup games.
FIFA did not respond to an inquiry about whether paid on-site storage would be available for fans.
Food and other liquids
Outside food and liquids generally won't be allowed at World Cup matches.
Fans can bring in hand sanitizer if the bottle is under 100 milliliters, but all other alcohol or alcohol containing liquids are banned. Exceptions to the policy include up to one liter of baby milk and sterilized water per child that may be stored in glass containers and 500 milliliters of medically necessary liquid can be brought if accompanied by a "medical certificate in English, French or Spanish and in the presence of the person for whom they are intended."
Outside food is only allowed if it's for a baby, "young infant," or someone with a medical condition who has a note from a doctor. Outside food should be packed in nonglass containers.
Flags, banners, posters and other paraphernalia
Fans can bring in signs and flags that are smaller than 60 inches by 78 inches, as long as the content doesn't violate the code of conduct and they are made of nonflammable material.
Bigger flags, signs and banners must "be approved in advance by the Event Organisers in writing." FIFA did not respond to an inquiry about what the preapproval process entails.
The code of conduct states that items including but not limited to flags, signs, banners, clothes and paraphernalia that are "of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group on account of race, skin color, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender identity and expression, disability, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, birth, wealth or any other status, sexual orientation or on any other grounds" are not allowed.
These rules can be enforced by FIFA, stadium management, volunteers, security, law enforcement and other personnel, according to the code of conduct.
What else?
The code of conduct offers an extensive list of what can't be brought into stadiums, but questions surrounding if items can be brought in and how certain policies will look in practice remain.
Items FIFA specifically said they would allow:
* Religious headwear and masks for medical reasons
* Cigarettes and electronic smoking devices (can be brought in, but can't be used inside)
* Small makeup products including compact power, shadows, blush, lipstick and lipgloss
* One personal powerbank smaller than 4.7 by 6.7 inches
* OTC medications allowed by federal and local laws can be brought in a single package with no more than seven different medicines that are in factory packaging
* Prescription medication, if accompanied by a medical note
Some of the specific items FIFA said they won't allow:
* Weapons and items that could be used as a weapon: tasers, ammunition, pepper spray, work tools, sprays, chemical irritants, explosives, golf umbrellas, beach umbrellas, bottles and jars that can be thrown, glass objects
* Strollers, bikes, rollerblades, skateboards
* Radio and high-frequency devices, professional camera equipment, drones, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks
* Sound and noise makers: musical instruments larger than 4.7 inches by 4.7 inches by 4.7 inches, vuvuzelas, whistles, air horns, loudspeakers, and heaters for drums
* Sports equipment and inflatables: inflatable balls, balloons, frisbees, darts
* Body protection and face coverings: bullet proof vests, helmets or other items to conceal identity
* Fire related items: lighters, matches, fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, spray cans, aerosol cylinders, marker pens, paints and other highly flammable items
* Large items that can't fit under a seat
* Miscellaneous: animals that aren't service animals, large amounts of paper, powdery materials, flagpoles, pom-poms with stick handles, large binoculars
The code of conduct states that FIFA ultimately has "absolute discretion" over items that can't be brought in.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 4:48 PM.