What can I bring to a World Cup 2026 match?

All 11 US stadiums enforce the NFL clear bag policy: clear plastic bags up to 12x6x12 inches or a small clutch up to 4.5x6.5 inches. Canadian venues (BMO Field, BC Place) allow bags up to 35x20x10 cm. Mexican venues (Azteca, Akron, BBVA) allow bags up to 25x15x8 cm. You can bring an empty refillable water bottle, your phone, a portable charger, sunscreen and a fixed-lens camera to all venues.

How early should I arrive at the stadium?

Gates open 2 to 2.5 hours before kick-off at most venues. For the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, gates open 3 hours early. We recommend arriving at the stadium area 3 hours before kick-off to allow time for food, security screening (20-30 minutes) and finding your seat. For high-demand matches like the opening match at Azteca or the Final at MetLife, arrive 4+ hours early.

Can I bring food into a World Cup 2026 stadium?

Most stadiums prohibit outside food and drink. A few venues allow small sealed snacks. Check your specific stadium's policy using our stadium selector above. All venues have concession stands inside, though prices are typically $8-15 for basic items. Eating before you enter is the best strategy.

What is the clear bag policy at FIFA World Cup 2026?

The clear bag policy varies by country. In the USA, all 11 stadiums follow the NFL standard: one clear plastic bag up to 12x6x12 inches, or one small clutch purse up to 4.5x6.5 inches. One-gallon zip-lock bags also work. Canadian venues allow slightly larger bags (35x20x10 cm) and do not require clear material. Mexican venues have the smallest allowance at 25x15x8 cm. Medical items are exempt at all venues with documentation.

How do I get to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup Final?

The best option is NJ Transit from Penn Station in Manhattan. Game-day trains run every 10-15 minutes to Meadowlands station, which is a short walk from the gates. Total journey from Midtown Manhattan: about 45 minutes door-to-gate. Driving is not recommended. Parking is very limited and the Meadowlands area has severe congestion on match days. Express buses also run from Port Authority and Secaucus Junction.

What happens if it rains during a World Cup 2026 match?

Matches go ahead in rain. Of the 16 venues, only 4 have roof coverage: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, retractable), NRG Stadium (Houston, retractable), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, translucent canopy) and BC Place (Vancouver, retractable). Hard Rock Stadium in Miami has shade canopies. The remaining 11 stadiums are fully open-air. Bring a light rain jacket for open-air venues. Large umbrellas are prohibited at most stadiums.

Thousands of football fans streaming toward a modern World Cup stadium at golden hour

⚽16 Stadiums🎟️104 Matches

Match Day Guide

Your stadium-by-stadium command center for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Bag policies, transit, gates, checklists and local expert tips for all 16 venues.

16 venues across 3 countries

104 matches, June to July 2026

Clear bag policy at all venues

Your Stadium, Your Game Plan

The FIFA World Cup 2026 spans 16 stadiums across the USA, Canada and Mexico, and every venue has different rules for bags, different transit options and different gate layouts. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (82,500 seats) hosts the Final, while the opening match kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (87,523 seats, the largest venue in the tournament).

All 11 US stadiums enforce a clear bag policy (max 12x6x12 inches), while Canadian and Mexican venues have their own size limits. Gates open 2 to 2.5 hours before kick-off at most venues, with 3-hour openings for the opening match and Final. You will need 20-30 minutes just to get through security screening.

Select your stadium below and you will get tailored transit directions, gate assignments, a packing checklist that tracks your progress, and a local expert tip from someone who knows the venue. No more jumping between 10 tabs. Everything you need for match day, in one place.

Select Your Stadium

Your Command Center

Choose your stadium and get tailored transit, bag policy, gates and expert tips for match day.

🏟️

82,500

Capacity

⏰

2.5 hours before kick-off

Gates Open

🏆

FINAL

Highest Round

🌡️

22-32°C / 72-90°F

Weather

⏱️Match Day Timeline

🚪

Gates open (2.5 hours before kick-off (3 hours for Final))

✓Check your ticket for gate number and section
✓For the Final, take NJ Transit from Penn Station NYC. Trains run every 10-15 min on match days. From Midtown Manhattan door-to-gate: about 45 min.
✓Allow extra time. Match day crowds are much larger than regular events

🍔

3 Hours Before

✓Grab food before entering. Stadium prices are high
✓Check the bag policy once more at MetLife Stadium
✓Share your location with your travel group
✓Download your ticket offline and screenshot it

🏟️

1 Hour Before

✓Arrive at your correct gate (see gate guide below)
✓Pass through security screening. Allow 20-30 min
✓Find your seat and get oriented
✓Visit concessions before the rush

⚽

During the Match

✓Stay hydrated. Refill at free water stations
✓Know your nearest exit and emergency point
✓Respect opposing fans. Football unites, not divides

🎉

After the Final Whistle

✓Remain in your seat until main crowd exits
✓Allow 45-60 min for crowds to clear
✓Pre-arrange your post-match meeting point
✓Avoid rideshare surge. Wait 30 min for prices to drop

🚇 Getting There

For the Final, take NJ Transit from Penn Station NYC. Trains run every 10-15 min on match days. From Midtown Manhattan door-to-gate: about 45 min.

NJ Transit Train

Meadowlands station (game-day service only), direct from Penn Station NYC

NJ Transit Bus

Express buses from Port Authority and Secaucus Junction

NY Subway + Bus

Take subway to Secaucus, then NJ Transit to stadium

Uber / Lyft

Designated drop zone: MetLife Drive

🅿️

Parking: Meadowlands parking complex on-site. Very limited. NJ Transit train is the overwhelmingly recommended option for the World Cup Final.

View full MetLife Stadium guide

Match Day Checklist

0/10 packed

👜

Your stadium bag policy: Clear bag up to 12"x6"x12" or small clutch up to 4.5"x6.5"

🎟️Match ticket (digital, saved offline)

Screenshot your ticket as backup in case of poor signal

🪪ID or Passport

Required for some stadium entries and alcohol purchases

📱Phone + portable charger

20,000 mAh power bank recommended for full day out

👜Clear bag (check your stadium policy)

USA: max 12x6x12 inches. Canada: 35x20x10cm. Mexico: 25x15x8cm

💧Empty water bottle (refillable)

Refill at free water stations inside. Saves money and plastic

🌞Sunscreen + hat

Many seats are unshaded. SPF 50+ for outdoor June/July matches

👟Comfortable walking shoes

Expect 15,000+ steps on match day

💳Cash + cards

Cards work everywhere but cash useful for street vendors

👂Earplugs (optional)

Indoor venues like BC Place and Hard Rock can be extremely loud

📷Camera (no detachable lenses)

Fixed lens cameras OK. No professional telephoto lenses allowed

🌡️ Weather at New York / New Jersey

22-32°C / 72-90°F

June-July

New Jersey summers are warm and humid. MetLife is fully open-air. Sun and rain exposure. Bring sunscreen.

🚪Gate Information

Gate A, North / main plaza

Sections 100-115

Gate B, East / MetLife Drive

Sections 116-130, Club

Gate C, South

Sections 131-150

Gate D, West

Sections 151-170

💡 Local Expert Tip

MetLife is the largest stadium in the tournament and hosts the Final. For any match here, plan 4+ hours from arrival to kick-off. The scale is immense.

Full MetLife Stadium Guide

Stadium map, restaurant guide, nearby hotels and more

Stadium Guide

🚇 Getting There

For the Final, take NJ Transit from Penn Station NYC. Trains run every 10-15 min on match days. From Midtown Manhattan door-to-gate: about 45 min.

NJ Transit Train

Meadowlands station (game-day service only), direct from Penn Station NYC

NJ Transit Bus

Express buses from Port Authority and Secaucus Junction

NY Subway + Bus

Take subway to Secaucus, then NJ Transit to stadium

Uber / Lyft

Designated drop zone: MetLife Drive

🅿️

Parking: Meadowlands parking complex on-site. Very limited. NJ Transit train is the overwhelmingly recommended option for the World Cup Final.

View full MetLife Stadium guide

🗺️ View gate map and full stadium guide

🌡️ Weather at New York / New Jersey

22-32°C / 72-90°F

June-July

New Jersey summers are warm and humid. MetLife is fully open-air. Sun and rain exposure. Bring sunscreen.

💡 Expert Tip

MetLife is the largest stadium in the tournament and hosts the Final. For any match here, plan 4+ hours from arrival to kick-off. The scale is immense.