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 an Airalo or Holafly eSIM with USA/Mexico/Canada plan before flying. Cheaper than roaming, fast activation, no SIM card swap.
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.