Everything you need for match day at NRG Stadium. Tap items to check them off. Don't leave without the basics.
NRG StadiumClear Bag Policy
Critical: All tickets are digital only — loaded in the FIFA app. No app = no entry. The bag policy is strictly enforced. Arriving late for USA or Mexico matches means long security lines. Read this whole checklist before match day.
Your Progress
Night Before
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Download and open the FIFA app
Verify your tickets are loaded and accessible without WiFi. Test the QR code displays correctly.
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Charge all devices fully
Phone, portable battery pack. Your ticket lives on your phone — a dead battery = you don't get in.
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Check your bag complies with the clear bag policy
Maximum 12"×6"×12". Must be fully transparent. No backpacks. Small clutch (4.5"×6.5" max) also allowed.
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Plan your route to the stadium
METRORail Red Line (recommended) or rideshare. Check last train times if it's an evening match.
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Set your departure time — arrive 90 minutes before kickoff
USA and Mexico matches: allow 2 hours. Security lines are long when 72,000 people all show up at once.
What to Bring
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Photo ID matching your FIFA account
Passport is recommended (especially if that's what you registered with). They check at security.
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Charged phone with FIFA app open
Have the ticket QR code ready before you reach the gate. Cell signal can be slow near the stadium.
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Portable battery/power bank
You'll use your phone heavily. A 10,000mAh battery pack is allowed in your clear bag.
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Pre-hydrate before entering the stadium
Water bottles — sealed or empty — are banned inside all 2026 World Cup stadiums (FIFA confirmed, June 2026). Free water is available at hydration stations inside. Pre-hydrate before you enter.
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Light jacket or layer
NRG Stadium is fully air-conditioned and can get cold inside. Bring a thin layer for indoors.
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Sunscreen (applied before leaving hotel)
You'll be in the sun walking to the stadium. Apply before you leave — reapply in the sun before entering.
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Your national team's colors or scarf
Flags are allowed up to a certain size (no poles). Check FIFA's specific flag policy for the current rules.
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Cash (some concessions may be cash-only)
Most stadium vendors accept card, but having $20–40 cash is useful for flexibility.
What NOT to Bring
Backpacks or non-transparent bags
Any bag that isn't fully transparent will be confiscated at the entrance. No exceptions.
Outside food or drinks
No outside food or beverages. Water bottles — sealed or empty — are banned and will be confiscated. Free water available at hydration stations inside.
Laser pointers, noisemakers, or weapons
Standard stadium prohibited items. Check the full prohibited items list on FIFA's website.
Large flags with poles or sticks
Small handheld flags are allowed. Large flags with poles or rigid supports are prohibited for safety reasons.
At the Stadium
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Go through security with ID and ticket ready
Have both the FIFA app QR code and your photo ID ready before reaching the security lane. Speed up the line.
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Find the free water stations inside
Free water stations are inside the stadium — cups provided. Stay hydrated: it's hot outdoors and cool inside with the AC. No bottle needed.
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Find your section, row, and seat number
NRG is large — check your section number before entering. Stadium staff can help navigate.
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Enjoy the match — you made it!
This is it. 72,000 fans, the world's biggest sporting event. Take it all in.