The Complete MetLife World Cup 2026 Packing List

The Non-Negotiables — Bring These Every Time

The Clear Bag

Buy an approved clear stadium bag before match day. They're available at sporting goods stores (Dick's, REI), on Amazon (search "NFL clear stadium bag"), and at convenience stores near MetLife. The dimensions: maximum 12 inches wide × 6 inches deep × 12 inches tall. A small clutch purse (max 4.5"×6.5") is also permitted as a separate item. Do not bring a backpack of any kind — they are turned away at security regardless of contents.

Your Ticket (Offline)

Open the Ticketmaster app, find your ticket, and screenshot the QR code before leaving your hotel. Stadium WiFi is unreliable under 82,000-person load. A dead phone at the gate is a serious problem. Have the screenshot in your camera roll as backup. Keep your phone charged above 50% when you leave — bring a battery pack.

NJ Transit Ticket (Pre-Purchased)

Buy your round-trip Penn Station to Secaucus Junction match-day ticket in the NJ Transit app before match day. The app requires internet to purchase; the ticket works offline once bought. There are ticket machines at Penn Station but the queues on match days are long. The app is faster.

ID

Valid government-issued ID. Some concession stands selling alcohol card people who appear under 30. International visitors: passport or official country ID.

Weather-Specific Packing

June Matches (June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27) — Warm and Variable

• Team jersey — synthetic moisture-wicking fabric if possible. Cotton jerseys hold sweat in warm weather.
• Light jacket or layer — June evenings in the Meadowlands can be cooler than Manhattan, especially near the water. Evening 6pm kickoffs start warm and finish cool.
• Sunscreen SPF 30+ — afternoon sections face direct sun. Apply before leaving your hotel.
• Comfortable walking shoes — you'll walk 1-2 miles between the shuttle and your seat.

July Matches (June 30, July 5, July 19) — Hot and Humid

• Moisture-wicking fabric essential — NYC in July averages 85°F+ with high humidity. A synthetic jersey is significantly more comfortable than cotton in these conditions.
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — reapply at halftime for afternoon matches. UV index is extreme between noon and 4pm.
• Cap or hat — allowed in the stadium. Reduces direct sun exposure significantly in upper level south-facing sections.
• Electrolyte packet — fits in a clear bag. Stadium heat plus excitement causes faster dehydration than expected.

What to Put in Your Clear Bag

• Wallet (cards and cash — some concessions are cash-only)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Battery pack / portable charger
• Sealed empty water bottle
• Sunscreen (travel size)
• Electrolyte packet (for July matches)
• Small first aid items: ibuprofen, bandages
• Earplugs (optional but useful — crowd noise at peak can reach 110+ decibels)
• Small flag (flag poles max 12 inches; fabric flags of any size permitted)

Leave These at the Hotel

• Backpack — not permitted under any circumstances
• Bag larger than 12×6×12 — turned away at security
• Outside food or drink (including sealed beverages)
• Umbrellas with metal tips
• Noisemakers (vuvuzelas, air horns) — prohibited by FIFA rules
• Professional cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches
• Laptops or large tablets
• Any sharp objects