Football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have to leave their vuvuzelas at home after FIFA officially prohibited the iconic plastic horns from all tournament venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The decision is part of FIFA’s updated stadium code of conduct, which outlines a range of items and behaviors that will not be permitted during the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Vuvuzelas became globally famous during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where their distinctive buzzing sound became one of the defining features of the tournament atmosphere. Widely used by South African football supporters, the long plastic horns generated a unique stadium experience that some fans embraced while others criticized for being distracting and overwhelming.
Over the years, the instrument’s continuous droning noise has often been compared to the sound of a swarm of bees, leading to mixed reactions from players, broadcasters, and spectators alike.
Under FIFA’s new regulations, vuvuzelas are not the only items banned from stadiums. The governing body has also prohibited whistles, air horns, and other excessively loud noise-making devices across all 16 World Cup venues.
Additionally, FIFA has outlawed the use of laser pointers, laser-emitting devices, and similar equipment that could interfere with matches, players, officials, or spectators.
The code of conduct also includes rules regarding spectator behavior and attire. FIFA clarified that body paint and body tattoos do not qualify as clothing, and fans will not be allowed to remove clothing or engage in activities such as streaking or flashing that expose intimate body parts.
Another notable restriction is the ban on reusable water bottles inside stadiums. FIFA cited safety and security considerations as the reason for the policy, meaning attendees will need to comply with venue-specific hydration guidelines during matches.
According to FIFA, anyone found violating the tournament’s code of conduct may be denied entry or removed from the stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 participating nations. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world.
With preparations intensifying ahead of kickoff, FIFA says the updated regulations are aimed at ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and organized experience for players, officials, and supporters throughout the month-long global football spectacle.
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