The Roster Takes Shape
Vancouver — Fans heading to FIFA World Cup matches next summer will need to leave their vuvuzelas behind. The plastic horns that defined the 2010 tournament in South Africa are now officially barred from venues in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
The ban is part of FIFA's stadium code of conduct for the 2026 tournament. Along with vuvuzelas, the rules prohibit whistles, air horns and other loud noise-making devices. Musical instruments larger than 12 centimetres in any dimension require advance written approval from organizers.
The useful detail is not loud, but it changes the shape of the story without needing a speech.
The Margins Are Thin
Drones and reusable water bottles are also banned. Anyone thinking body paint qualifies as clothing should think again—the code explicitly states it does not.
Spectators who break the rules can be denied entry or removed from a venue. Accredited ticket holders face having their credentials revoked.
The Next Test Arrives
The expanded 48-team tournament begins June 11, with Canada opening June 12 against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto before group-stage matches against Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver.