Can you bring a backpack to MetLife Stadium (New York / New Jersey)
It depends — a backpack is allowed at 2026 World Cup matches under specific conditions. The rule applies at MetLife Stadium in New York / New Jersey. Soft bags up to a specific size (usually 25 x 25 x 15 cm) are permitted. Hard backpacks and larger bags are not.
MetLife Stadium (capacity 82,500) follows FIFA's tournament-wide item policy. US federal regulations may add further restrictions specific to New York / New Jersey.
Why the rule
Soft bags up to a specific size (usually 25 x 25 x 15 cm) are permitted. Hard backpacks and larger bags are not. New York / New Jersey's stadium operators have implemented the FIFA baseline plus standard USA regulations on prohibited items. Local context: will host the 2026 World Cup Final.
At the gate
- Bring only what fits the FIFA item list to avoid delay.
- Security takes 20–40 minutes during peak windows.
- NJ Transit runs direct trains from Penn Station to Meadowlands.
- The nearest paid storage to MetLife Stadium is signed at the security perimeter.
Alternative
If a backpack is restricted at MetLife Stadium, the practical alternative is clear stadium-approved bags.
Bottom line
It depends — a backpack is allowed at 2026 World Cup matches under specific conditions. The rule is uniform across the 2026 tournament unless a venue-specific override is announced via the FIFA app. MetLife Stadium has not currently announced an override for this item.