Everything you need to know about stadium bag policies — just in time for the World Cup
After four long years, the FIFA World Cup is finally back, and fans from all over the world will be flooding stadiums across the country for the upcoming tournament. However, since many stadiums have strict policies regarding what you can and can’t bring inside, clear bags are a great security-approved accessory. Below, I get into everything you should know about bag policies before your next stadium visit, including the best bag options for the World Cup, summertime concerts, games and festivals.
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The best clear stadium bags of 2026
Below I’ve rounded up the best (and most stylish) clear stadium bags for your next big stadium event, including purses, belt bags and backpacks from top-rated retailers, along with recommendations from NBC Select shopping experts.
Best overall
The Bogg Bag is known for its space and durability (which is why it’s one of our favorite beach bags), and the brand’s clear Stadium Bag is no different. It has the same sturdy, EVA plastic bottom as the original Bogg Bag, and a transparent top that’s ideal for quick and easy security checks, according to the brand. It can be worn around your waist as a belt bag or as a crossbody, and comes in ten shades so you can match your bag to your favorite team’s colors.
Best for the World Cup
It doesn’t get more World Cup-ready than this bag by Adidas, which displays the official FIFA World Cup emblem on the front. It’s made from durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and has a top zipper closure and a front zippered pocket for your smaller accessories, according to the brand. To add to the World Cup hype, you can also shop the bag in team colors for Mexico, Argentina and Germany on the Adidas website.
Best belt bag
This belt bag, made from water-resistant thermoplastic, can also be worn as a crossbody, according to the brand. It has an adjustable strap for added comfort and a zippered main pocket that keeps your belongings secure, making it great for navigating through large crowds. The bag also has a sporty feel that pairs great with athleisure or sportswear (including your favorite jersey), and is available in versions with black or white accents.
Best crossbody
This adjustable crossbody is accented with a stylish vegan leather logo on the strap. The zippered pocket is deep enough to easily hold your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses and more, and is made from a durable plastic that’s designed to be long-lasting. It also comes in eight colors.
Best lightweight
Baggallini’s Clear Crossbody is a lightweight, crossbody option with a zippered closure and an adjustable strap. It also has a back pocket for quick access to your phone, and it uses a magnetized button closure to keep your valuables secure. It’s made from 100% PVC and is also water-resistant, according to the brand.
Best clutch
When I attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour in Kansas City, I bought a nearly identical version of this bag as a last-minute addition to my outfit. The square, hard-shell acrylic design added a unique touch to my look, and the interior pocket is big enough to fit a phone, lip gloss, essential cards, a compact and more. Although the chain isn’t adjustable, I like that it’s long enough for me to wear comfortably as a crossbody (it can also be removed, so the bag can switch into a clutch). I was skeptical of the durability at first, but after a few years, the bag I bought is still very much intact.
Best mini purse
I love to pop out with my Telfar bag on a night out, and this clear version is ideal for your next concert. It has a chic, rounded and tubular design, and is made from a water-resistant PVC, according to the brand. It’s also available in seven colors, including pink, neon green, clear brown, and more, and comes in medium and large sizes.
Best for game day
Each of these crossbody bags comes with an officially licensed logo of the sports team of your choice, according to the brand. The logo is heat-sealed for lasting durability, and you can choose from teams across sports and leagues, including football, basketball and baseball. It has a detachable gold chain shoulder strap, and a clear main compartment lined with faux leather, according to the brand.
Best backpack
Backpacks are always a comfortable option for longer events, like tournaments or festivals, and this clear backpack has enough space to hold everything you need and more. It has a large top pocket, along with a front pocket for easy access to your smaller accessories. The side of the bag has a mesh bottle holder, and the adjustable straps have a padded design for max comfort while wearing, according to the brand.
Best luxury
This stadium-friendly bag, inspired by vintage Coach designs, is made from a clear PVC material with smooth leather accents, according to the brand. The bag has a zip-top closure and detachable handle, as well as a detachable strap that you can clip on for crossbody wear. The bag is also available in four versions with colored leather accents, including white, blue, red and black.
Best tote
If you’re someone who prefers to travel with a heavier load, this Maytree tote may be just what you need. It has a larger main pocket than some of the other options, along with stretchy side pockets for water bottles and adjustable straps with double stitching for added durability, according to the brand. The bag also has a front pocket for your smaller essentials, and top handles for versatile carrying.
Best budget
This bag is ideal for minimalists — it has a simple design, with a clear main pocket and a shoulder and wrist strap. The straps are detachable, so it can be worn as a wristlet or purse, and the bag is made from water- and cold-resistant polyvinylchloride (PVC), according to the brand. You can also choose from 11 colors for the bag’s lining, including blue, green, red and more.
How I picked the best clear stadium bags
With the NFL’s clear bag policy in mind, I chose bags that satisfy the sizing requirements for most stadiums (since World Cup matches are taking place in NFL stadiums, the same stadium rules apply). I also included a variety of bag styles for different occasions.
- The sizing of clear stadium bags is the most important factor. According to the bag policy, you are allowed to carry clear bags that don’t exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches in size.
- I also included a variety of bag styles. For example, if you’re attending a festival, you may want a higher-capacity bag, like a backpack, but if you’re going to a concert, you may prefer a clutch or crossbody.
Frequently asked questions
The FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament lasts for 34 days and includes 104 total matches played, according to FIFA.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly held across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The cities include:
- Canada: Toronto and Vancouver
- Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey
- United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Bay Area and Seattle.
You can find a full list of locations and match venues here.
There will be 48 national teams competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the three host nations. Each team is a part of one of FIFA’s six continental federations. The full list of competitors are as follows:
- Hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA
- Asian Football Confederation (AFC): Australia, Iraq, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan
- Confederation of African Football (CAF): Algeria, Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
- Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF): Curaçao, Haiti, Panama
- Confederacion Sudamericana de Futbol (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
- Oceania Football Confederation (OFC): New Zealand
- Union of European Football Associations (UEFA): Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye
You can purchase tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on the official FIFA ticketing website. You can also explore resale markets for secondhand tickets, however, there’s no guarantee of legitimacy, making it safer to stick to official ticketing routes.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule is the calendar of all games that will be played during the tournament. You can find the latest schedule and match updates on FIFA’s website.
According to FIFA, only the following bags are allowed in World Cup stadiums:
- Clear plastic, PVC or vinyl bags with a max size of 12in x 6in x 12in.
- Small wallets and purses with a max size of 4.5in x 6.5in.
All bags are also searched at the entrance — you can find a full list of prohibited items here.
American audiences can stream all matches live on Fox Sports, with two matches (the tournament opener and the US vs. Paraguay match) also being simulcast on Tubi, the free streaming platform. Peacock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers can also watch all games in Spanish. You can also watch the games with a live TV or cable subscription via the Fox channel.
No, clear bags aren’t a requirement for most stadiums. However, since most stadiums significantly limit the size and capacity of opaque bags allowed indoors, clear bags can be an easy way to get more space for your essentials without running into any security troubles.
According to the bag policy, clear backpacks under 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches are allowed.
Yes, bags should be fully transparent in order to meet the guidelines, but they can have colored or opaque decor or team logos on the sides only. However, any decor or hardware, like buckles, that block or conceal the bag’s interior are prohibited and won’t be allowed in.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate SEO reporter with over two years of experience covering travel accessories and apparel, and an avid sports and music fan who’s been to countless stadium concerts and games over the years. To write this story, I researched the best clear stadium bags from top-rated retailers, along with common stadium bag policies you should know before purchasing.
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