WCGuide

2026

Match-day playbook

From wake-up to final whistle. A clear, timed checklist.

  1. −5h

    Eat a real meal

    Stadium food is overpriced and slow. Hydrate. Avoid heavy alcohol — security will turn back visibly drunk fans.

  2. −4h

    Final check

    Mobile ticket loaded in your FIFA wallet. Passport or government ID. Cash for emergencies. Phone at 100%, with a backup battery.

  3. −3h

    Leave for the stadium

    Yes, this early. Trains and shuttles get packed. Traffic is unpredictable. Stadium gates usually open 2.5h before kick-off.

  4. −1.5h

    Arrive & queue

    Security lines are long but move. Have your ticket QR open before reaching the gate. Liquids, large bags, selfie sticks and pro cameras are not allowed.

  5. −45m

    Through the gates

    Find your seat, buy water, take the photo. Pre-match warm-up usually starts 40 min before kick-off. National anthems are 5–10 min before.

  6. 0

    Kick-off

    Phones down. Be present. You're at the World Cup.

  7. +15m

    Don't rush out

    Wait 15–20 min after the final whistle. Transit and rideshare will be a wall otherwise. The walk to a less-saturated transit stop is worth it.

What to bring

  • ✓Government ID or passport (matches your FIFA ID).
  • ✓Phone fully charged + power bank.
  • ✓Clear bag (recommended in many US stadiums) or no bag at all — easier security.
  • ✓Empty reusable water bottle (most stadiums let you refill inside).
  • ✓Cash (USD, CAD, MXN). Some kiosks are cashless, others are cash-only.
  • ✓Sunscreen, hat — most stadiums are uncovered.
  • ✓Light rain jacket if it's Vancouver, Seattle, or Mexico City summer.

Leave at the hotel

  • ✕Large backpacks, suitcases, anything bigger than a small bag.
  • ✕Glass bottles, outside food, alcohol.
  • ✕Selfie sticks, drones, professional cameras with lenses >75mm.
  • ✕Flags or banners larger than 2x1m, or with poles longer than 1m.
  • ✕Air horns, fireworks, laser pointers — instant ejection.

Security & entry

  • 1.Arrive at least 90 minutes early. Security uses metal detectors and bag scanners.
  • 2.Have your ticket QR open BEFORE you reach the scanner. Brightness on max.
  • 3.Wear closed shoes. Sandals/flip-flops are slower through security.
  • 4.If you have medical needs (insulin, EpiPen), carry a prescription label — security can wave you through faster.
  • 5.Re-entry is generally NOT allowed. Once you're out, you're out.

What you cannot do

  • ·Tailgating (drinking alcohol in the parking lot) is allowed in some US stadiums but tightly regulated in 2026 — verify with the city.
  • ·Drone photography near stadiums is illegal in all 3 countries.
  • ·Resale of your wristband or fan ID at the venue is grounds for ejection and ban.
  • ·Public masks/face coverings are restricted in some stadiums (security) — basic medical masks are fine.