Last updated: May 2026. This guide is written for UK fans travelling to North America in summer 2026. All product recommendations are illustrative — shop around for current availability and pricing.
Packing for North America Is Not Like Packing for Europe
A UK fan used to European football trips — short hops to Frankfurt, Rome, or Amsterdam — is in for a genuinely different experience at the 2026 World Cup. North America in June and July is hot, vast, and has a few quirks that will catch you out if you pack the way you normally would for a summer tournament.
The stadium bag rules alone have blindsided thousands of US sports fans who grew up attending American football games. The plug adaptors are different. The sun is considerably stronger. Mexico City sits at 2,240 metres above sea level and gets genuinely cold at night despite hitting 25°C by day. Dallas in June is 38°C with humidity that makes 30°C British summer heat feel mild by comparison.
This guide covers everything you need — and, just as importantly, a few things you definitely should not bring.
Rule One: The Stadium Bag Policy
Before you pack anything else, understand this rule — it catches out more international fans at US sports venues than any other single thing:
Most 2026 World Cup host venues in the USA require clear, transparent bags for entry.
The standard requirement at US NFL stadiums (which host most of the tournament's US matches) is a clear bag no larger than 12" × 6" × 12" (roughly 30cm × 15cm × 30cm). This is sometimes called the "NFL Clear Bag Policy" and it applies at MetLife, Lincoln Financial Field, AT&T Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, and others.
What this means for you:
- Your normal rucksack, gym bag, or canvas tote will not be allowed into the stadium at most venues
- You need a clear plastic or PVC tote bag of the correct dimensions
- Buy this in the UK before you travel — significantly cheaper than on arrival, far more choice, and you avoid the chaos of buying one outside the stadium on match day
Search for "clear stadium bag" on Amazon UK — expect to pay £5–15. Get one that has a small separate clutch bag option (some venues allow one small clutch as well as the clear bag). Pack it flat in your main luggage.
Mexican venues may have different policies — check the specific stadium guidance for any Guadalajara, Monterrey, or Mexico City matches. Canadian venues (BC Place, BMO Field) also tend to be more relaxed on bag restrictions.
Documents
Do not pack these — keep them on your person or in your hotel safe at all times. But make sure you have:
- Passport valid for the full duration of your stay (not just the departure date — check the expiry)
- ESTA or eTA confirmation — print a physical copy. Digital displays fail, phones run out of battery, and having the confirmation number on paper is worth it
- Travel insurance documents including the 24-hour emergency helpline number — write this separately from the policy document in case you lose the paperwork
- Driving licence if you plan to rent a car (your UK photocard licence is accepted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico)
- Match ticket confirmation — download the ticketing app offline and screenshot your QR codes; stadium Wi-Fi is unreliable with 80,000 fans
- Hotel and accommodation confirmation — first address and check-in details printed or saved offline
- Emergency contacts card — a physical card with: home contact numbers, travel insurance number, British Embassy number in each country you visit
Before you leave: Email yourself photographs of every document, front and back. This takes five minutes and significantly simplifies life if your bag is stolen. Also keep copies in your hotel safe, separate from the originals.
Electronics
Power Adaptors
The USA and Canada use Type A/B plugs — two flat parallel pins, sometimes with a round earth pin. This is entirely different from the UK's Type G plug. You will need an adaptor.
Voltage check: The USA operates on 110V, while the UK is 240V. Most modern electronics — phones, laptops, tablets, camera chargers — are dual-voltage. Check the small print on the charging brick: if it says "Input: 100–240V", you are fine with just an adaptor. If it says "Input: 240V only", you also need a voltage converter.
The main victim of this is hairdryers. Most UK travel hairdryers are dual-voltage; a household one almost certainly is not. Either bring a certified dual-voltage travel hairdryer or buy one on arrival in the USA at Walmart (very cheap).
Mexico is also 110V and uses the same flat-pin plug as the USA — one adaptor covers both.
Bring at least two UK-to-US adaptors. You will have multiple devices to charge and hotel rooms sometimes have surprisingly few accessible sockets.
Portable Charger (Power Bank)
Non-negotiable for match days. You will be using your phone constantly: maps, Uber, tickets, photos, messages, data. Stadium battery drains fast.
Recommendation: a 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank. Check airline rules before flying — most airlines allow power banks in hand luggage up to 100Wh (roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V). Checked luggage: power banks must go in hand luggage regardless.
Camera and Stadium Policy
Phones are universally fine. Professional cameras with detachable lenses are typically prohibited inside stadiums — the cut-off is usually a lens longer than 6 inches. Compact cameras and GoPros are generally allowed. Check the specific match venue policy if you are bringing anything beyond a smartphone.
Selfie sticks are banned at most US stadiums. Leave it at the hotel.
Clothing
Weather Reality by City
UK fans often underestimate North American summer heat. This is not Euros-in-the-sun weather — several host cities are genuinely extreme:
- Dallas (AT&T Stadium, Arlington): June averages 34–38°C with high humidity. Outdoor pre-match areas will feel brutal. Pack light, moisture-wicking fabrics only.
- Miami (Hard Rock Stadium): 31–33°C, extremely humid, afternoon thunderstorms frequent. Light gear essential.
- Houston: Similar to Miami. Evening kick-offs help but pre-match heat is relentless.
- Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium): 29–33°C, humid. The stadium is retractable-roof — likely closed for comfort.
- New York/New Jersey (MetLife): 25–30°C, more comfortable than the south. Evening matches are pleasant.
- Philadelphia: 27–30°C in June. East Coast humidity but manageable.
- Boston (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough): 23–28°C — the most comfortable of the East Coast venues.
- Los Angeles: 26–30°C, dry heat, very little humidity. Comfortable but sustained sun exposure.
- Seattle: 20–24°C, possibility of rain. Pack a light waterproof.
- Toronto: 22–28°C — pleasant and similar to a warm UK summer.
- Vancouver: 19–24°C, some rain likely. Light layers needed.
- Mexico City: 21–25°C by day, dropping to 13–16°C at night. High altitude (2,240m) means stronger UV despite moderate temperatures. Pack both sun protection and a warm layer.
- Guadalajara and Monterrey: 28–34°C, warm and dry relative to coastal USA.
What to Pack
- Moisture-wicking shirts — two or three synthetic or merino blend tops. Cotton becomes uncomfortable very quickly in southern USA humidity.
- England shirt (or your preferred nation's shirt) — go-without-saying, but check stadium rules. Flags and banners must not obstruct other spectators; most stadiums allow small hand flags.
- Comfortable walking shoes — US cities and stadium approaches require serious walking. The car-centric design of cities like Dallas and Miami means venue approaches can be longer than expected. Blisters are common and avoidable.
- Light waterproof layer — essential for Seattle and Vancouver, and valuable for afternoon thunderstorms in southern US cities. Pack a lightweight packable rain jacket rather than a heavy coat.
- Sunglasses with UV protection — the North American sun is more intense at UK skin tones' unaccustomed level.
- One smart-casual outfit — if you plan restaurant dinners or higher-end venues. The USA dress code is generally relaxed but some restaurant bookings appreciate it.
- Warm layer for Mexico City — one light fleece or long-sleeve top for evenings.
- Kilt or traditional dress for Scottish/Welsh neutral fans — if travelling in one, note that kilts in high humidity (Dallas, Miami) are warm. Lightweight modern kilt fabrics are more appropriate than wool for July heat.
Health and Toiletries
Sun Protection
This is genuinely important. The North American sun — particularly in Texas, Florida, and California — is considerably stronger than the UK. Many English football fans discover sunburn on the first day of an outdoor match experience because they are not accustomed to accounting for it.
- SPF 50+ sun cream — buy in the UK and pack it. US sun cream is expensive by UK standards (same quality, significantly higher retail price). Bring enough for your full trip.
- UV-protection lip balm — lips burn in strong sun and people consistently forget this.
- Foldable hat — a packable brim hat for pre-match queuing and city sightseeing. Saves significant discomfort at open-air venues.
Heat Management
- Electrolyte tablets or sachets — sold in UK pharmacies and sports shops. Dissolve in water and drink before and during match days. Heat exhaustion is a genuine risk in Dallas and Miami; staying hydrated with electrolytes rather than plain water is more effective.
- Insect repellent — Houston, Miami, and Atlanta have significant mosquito activity in June and July. DEET-based repellent (30–50% concentration) is the most effective.
Medications and Prescriptions
- Prescription medications: Bring enough for your full trip plus a two-week buffer. Keep all prescription medication in its original, labelled packaging — this is particularly important at US Customs and Border Control. For controlled substances (certain painkillers, ADHD medications), research the USA's specific regulations before travel — some medications legal in the UK require documentation or are restricted. The British Embassy can provide guidance.
- Over-the-counter basics: Bring from the UK — paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and stomach remedies are significantly more expensive in the USA. US equivalents use different brand names but the same active ingredients.
- Blister plasters (Compeed or similar) — walking cities in warm weather causes blisters. Pack a strip.
- Rehydration sachets — essential for Mexico travellers in particular. Also useful after a hot match day.
- Antihistamines — North American plants, grasses, and pollens are different from the UK. Many fans who don't suffer hayfever at home react to different allergens abroad.
Match Day Kit — What Goes in the Clear Bag
On match day, your clear stadium bag is your entire carrying solution inside the venue. Pack it with:
- Ticket confirmation (downloaded offline — QR code visible without internet)
- Cash — inside US stadiums, some concessions are cash only, and even those that take cards often have long queue times. A $20–40 float is useful.
- Small personal item pouch — many venues allow a small clutch or wallet (check the specific venue's policy)
- Portable charger — top up during the match
- Sunglasses — essential for day kick-offs at open-air venues
- Foldable hat — fits in the bag, invaluable in direct sun
- Light snacks — rules vary by venue; some permit sealed water bottles, some do not. Check your specific match venue's policy in advance.
- Ear protection for children — stadium noise at 80,000-capacity NFL venues is significant
Things Not to Pack (Leave at Home)
Some items will waste luggage space, get confiscated, or cause complications:
- Full-size camera tripods — prohibited at all venues, often seized at security
- Selfie sticks — banned at most US stadiums and awkward in crowded city spaces
- Drones — absolutely prohibited in all stadium airspace areas. US airspace regulations around events are strictly enforced. Possession can result in confiscation and significant legal consequences.
- Large flags that block views — specific regulations per match. Check your venue's prohibited items policy. Hand flags and small banners are almost always fine.
- Excessive liquids — standard airport liquid rules apply on arrival flights; inside the venue, outside drinks are typically not permitted
- Valuable jewellery — large cities and crowded event spaces are environments where theft occurs. Leave it at home.
Bag and Luggage Strategy
Carry-On vs Checked Luggage
For trips of 7–10 days following England's group stage: a carry-on plus personal item is viable but tight. For 2–3 weeks following England through knockouts, you need checked luggage.
US airlines charge for checked bags on most fares — this is not included in the base ticket price as it is on most UK-to-USA routes. Budget $40–60 per bag per direction on US domestic carriers. Add this to your internal travel budget.
Hand luggage restrictions on US budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant) are stricter and more aggressively enforced than full-service carriers. If you are flying internally on a budget carrier, check the exact size limits before your gate — it is cheaper to pay online in advance than at the gate.
Packing for Multiple Cities
If you are following England across two or three group stage cities, consider packing with portability in mind:
- A wheeled carry-on is easier to manage on Amtrak (East Coast train) than a large rucksack
- For city-hopping by internal flight: keep your main bag within carry-on dimensions where possible to avoid checked bag fees and wait times at carousels between matches
- Pack a reusable lightweight tote inside your main luggage — useful for day trips and impromptu shopping without carrying your main bag
Weight to Leave Behind
You will buy things in North America. US sports merchandise, food, gifts. Leave 2–3kg of margin in your suitcase if possible. Shipping home from the USA is expensive and slow — it is easier to leave room in the bag.
The Pre-Departure Checklist
Final checklist for the day before you fly:
- [ ] Passport valid — check expiry date against return date
- [ ] ESTA/eTA approved and confirmation printed
- [ ] Travel insurance documents accessible and emergency number noted
- [ ] Clear stadium bag packed (or already in your luggage)
- [ ] UK-to-US adaptors confirmed and packed
- [ ] Power bank charged and in hand luggage
- [ ] Prescription medications: sufficient supply, original packaging, documentation for any controlled substances
- [ ] SPF 50+ sun cream packed
- [ ] Copies of all documents emailed to yourself and one trusted person at home
- [ ] Hotel first-night address saved offline on phone
- [ ] Match tickets downloaded offline in the relevant app
- [ ] Electrolyte tablets packed
- [ ] Insect repellent if travelling to Houston, Miami, or Atlanta
Enjoy the tournament. It genuinely is a once-in-a-generation event — the logistics are worth every bit of the effort.