FIFA bans vuvuzelas and bottles at the 2026 World Cup; see rules

Fans who want to bring more noise and excitement to World Cup games will have to leave their vuvuzelas at home. FIFA has banned the use of traditional plastic horns in stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as established in its code of conduct for tournament arenas.

Vuvuzelas, wind instruments made of plastic and very popular in South African stadiums, gained worldwide notoriety during the 2010 World Cup. Despite their popularity among fans, they also received criticism due to their continuous and shrill sound, often compared to the buzzing of a swarm of bees.

In addition to vuvuzelas, whistles, compressed air horns and other devices considered excessively noisy are banned in all 16 stadiums that will host competition matches, according to FIFA regulations.

Vuvuzelas marked the 2010 World Cup - Getty Images

Equipment that emits laser beams, laser pointers or similar devices will also not be permitted.

The list of prohibited items and behaviors also clarifies that body painting and tattoos are not considered clothing. Invading the field, showing intimate parts of the body or removing clothes for this purpose is also prohibited.

FIFA also banned reusable water bottles from entering stadiums, citing safety reasons.

According to the code of conduct, fans who fail to comply with the rules may be denied entry or removed from the arenas.

The 2026 World Cup, the first with 48 participating teams, will be played between June 11 and July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mexico will play the opening match against South Africa on June 11.

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Source: CNN