What is the legal drinking age in the host countries?

USA: 21. Canada: 18 or 19 (depending on province). Mexico: 18. Strict ID checks are common, especially in the US.

Is marijuana legal in World Cup host cities?

Canada: Legal nationwide. USA: Legal in some host states (e.g., WA, CA, NY) but illegal federally and in others (e.g., TX). Mexico: Decriminalized for personal use but sales are restricted; best to avoid.

Do I need to tip in restaurants?

USA: Yes, 18-22% is standard. Canada: Yes, 15-20%. Mexico: Yes, 10-15%. In the US, tipping is not optional; it is the server's primary wage.

Can I drink alcohol in public?

Generally NO in USA and Canada (except specific designated zones). In Mexico, it is technically illegal and can lead to fines or arrest, despite common misconceptions.

Local Laws & Cultural Etiquette: World Cup 2026 Guide

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Laws can change. Always follow instructions from local authorities.

Know Before You GoALCOHOL & DRUG LAWS

Three countries, three very different sets of rules. What is legal in Vancouver might get you arrested in Houston or Mexico City.

Feature	🇺🇸 USA	🇨🇦 Canada	🇲🇽 Mexico
Drinking Age	21 (Strictly Enforced)	18 or 19 (Province dependent)	18
Public Drinking	Illegal (Open Container Laws)	Illegal (Mostly)	Illegal (Fines/Arrest)
Cannabis	State dependent (Federally Illegal)	Legal Nationwide	Decriminalized (Complex)
Last Call	2 AM (Commonly)	2 AM - 3 AM	3 AM - 5 AM (Varies)

Marijuana Warning

Do NOT cross borders with cannabis. Even if you are traveling from Washington (Legal) to British Columbia (Legal), crossing the federal border with any amount is a serious crime.

ID Requirements

In the USA, you will be carded almost everywhere if you look under 40. International travelers should always carry their Passport as ID; foreign driver's licenses are often rejected at bars.

Know Before You GoTIPPING CULTURE

For visitors from Europe, Asia, or South America, North American tipping culture can be a shock. In the US, it is not optional—it is how staff are paid.

20%

USA Standard

15-18%

Canada Standard

10-15%

Mexico Standard

When to Tip (USA & Canada)

Sit-down Restaurants: 18-22% of the pre-tax bill.
Bartenders: $1-2 per drink.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi: 10-15%.
Hotel Porters: $1-2 per bag.
Valet Parking: $2-5 upon retrieval.

Note: Check your bill for "Gratuity Included" or "Service Charge" (common for parties of 6+). If added, you do not need to tip extra.

Know Before You GoPOLICE INTERACTION

Zero Tolerance for Bribery

USA & Canada: NEVER attempt to bribe a police officer. It is a serious felony and you will be arrested immediately.
Mexico: Corruption exists, but attempting to bribe a federal officer (Guardia Nacional) is dangerous. If asked for a 'mordida' (bribe) by local police for a traffic stop, ask for a written citation to pay at the station instead.

If You Are Stopped

Stay calm and keep your hands visible (on the steering wheel if driving).
Do not exit the vehicle unless instructed.
Provide your passport and visa/entry document when asked.
You have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer / consular assistance.

Know Before You GoSOCIAL ETIQUETTE

United States

Personal Space: Americans value personal space (arm's length).
Small Talk: Very common. Strangers will smile and ask "How are you?". It's polite to reply briefly.
Punctuality: Being on time is expected.

Canada

Politeness: "Sorry" and "Please" are used constantly. Be polite in queues.
Queuing: Never cut in line. It is considered extremely rude.
Diversity: Very multicultural society; comments on race/accent can be sensitive.

Mexico

Greetings: A handshake or light hug/cheek kiss (one cheek) is common.
Time: "Ahorita" can mean "now," "in a bit," or "never." Flexibility is key.
Respect: Be respectful of national symbols and avoid loud, drunken behavior in family areas.

Know Before You GoSTADIUM RULES

FIFA World Cup stadiums have stricter rules than domestic league matches.

Allowed Behavior

Cheering, chanting, and singing.
Standing (in designated areas).
Bringing small flags (check size limits).
Wearing team jerseys.

Strictly Prohibited

Pitch invasion (Immediate arrest & deportation).
Discriminatory chants (Match can be suspended).
Pyrotechnics / Flares (Zero tolerance).
Throwing objects onto the field.

Know Before You GoFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I get arrested?

Do not resist. Ask for your consulate immediately. The US, Canada, and Mexico are obligated to notify your embassy if you request it.

Can I smoke in the stadium?

No. FIFA World Cup stadiums are smoke-free environments. This includes e-cigarettes and vapes. Smoking is often restricted to specific outdoor zones far from the gates.

Is jaywalking illegal?

Yes, in many US and Canadian cities you can be ticketed for crossing the street outside a crosswalk, though enforcement varies. It is safer to use crosswalks.

Can I use my home driver's license?

Generally yes for driving (for short visits), but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in English. For buying alcohol, use your passport.

Travel Smart, Travel Safe

Knowing the rules keeps you out of trouble and lets you focus on the beautiful game.

Back to Safety Hub

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Laws can change. Always follow instructions from local authorities.

Know Before You GoALCOHOL & DRUG LAWS

Three countries, three very different sets of rules. What is legal in Vancouver might get you arrested in Houston or Mexico City.

Feature	🇺🇸 USA	🇨🇦 Canada	🇲🇽 Mexico
Drinking Age	21 (Strictly Enforced)	18 or 19 (Province dependent)	18
Public Drinking	Illegal (Open Container Laws)	Illegal (Mostly)	Illegal (Fines/Arrest)
Cannabis	State dependent (Federally Illegal)	Legal Nationwide	Decriminalized (Complex)
Last Call	2 AM (Commonly)	2 AM - 3 AM	3 AM - 5 AM (Varies)

Marijuana Warning

Do NOT cross borders with cannabis. Even if you are traveling from Washington (Legal) to British Columbia (Legal), crossing the federal border with any amount is a serious crime.

ID Requirements

In the USA, you will be carded almost everywhere if you look under 40. International travelers should always carry their Passport as ID; foreign driver's licenses are often rejected at bars.

Know Before You GoTIPPING CULTURE

For visitors from Europe, Asia, or South America, North American tipping culture can be a shock. In the US, it is not optional—it is how staff are paid.

20%

USA Standard

15-18%

Canada Standard

10-15%

Mexico Standard

When to Tip (USA & Canada)

Sit-down Restaurants: 18-22% of the pre-tax bill.
Bartenders: $1-2 per drink.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi: 10-15%.
Hotel Porters: $1-2 per bag.
Valet Parking: $2-5 upon retrieval.

Note: Check your bill for "Gratuity Included" or "Service Charge" (common for parties of 6+). If added, you do not need to tip extra.

Know Before You GoPOLICE INTERACTION

Zero Tolerance for Bribery

USA & Canada: NEVER attempt to bribe a police officer. It is a serious felony and you will be arrested immediately.
Mexico: Corruption exists, but attempting to bribe a federal officer (Guardia Nacional) is dangerous. If asked for a 'mordida' (bribe) by local police for a traffic stop, ask for a written citation to pay at the station instead.

If You Are Stopped

Stay calm and keep your hands visible (on the steering wheel if driving).
Do not exit the vehicle unless instructed.
Provide your passport and visa/entry document when asked.
You have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer / consular assistance.

Know Before You GoSOCIAL ETIQUETTE

United States

Canada

Mexico

Know Before You GoSTADIUM RULES

FIFA World Cup stadiums have stricter rules than domestic league matches.

Allowed Behavior

Cheering, chanting, and singing.
Standing (in designated areas).
Bringing small flags (check size limits).
Wearing team jerseys.

Strictly Prohibited

Pitch invasion (Immediate arrest & deportation).
Discriminatory chants (Match can be suspended).
Pyrotechnics / Flares (Zero tolerance).
Throwing objects onto the field.

Know Before You GoFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I get arrested?

Do not resist. Ask for your consulate immediately. The US, Canada, and Mexico are obligated to notify your embassy if you request it.

Can I smoke in the stadium?

No. FIFA World Cup stadiums are smoke-free environments. This includes e-cigarettes and vapes. Smoking is often restricted to specific outdoor zones far from the gates.

Is jaywalking illegal?

Yes, in many US and Canadian cities you can be ticketed for crossing the street outside a crosswalk, though enforcement varies. It is safer to use crosswalks.

Can I use my home driver's license?

Generally yes for driving (for short visits), but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in English. For buying alcohol, use your passport.

Travel Smart, Travel Safe

Knowing the rules keeps you out of trouble and lets you focus on the beautiful game.

Back to Safety Hub

World Cup 2026 Local Laws & Etiquette

Know Before You GoALCOHOL & DRUG LAWS

Marijuana Warning

ID Requirements

Know Before You GoTIPPING CULTURE

20%

15-18%

10-15%

When to Tip (USA & Canada)

Know Before You GoPOLICE INTERACTION

Zero Tolerance for Bribery

If You Are Stopped

Know Before You GoSOCIAL ETIQUETTE

United States

Canada

Mexico

Know Before You GoSTADIUM RULES

Allowed Behavior

Strictly Prohibited

Know Before You GoFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I get arrested?

Can I smoke in the stadium?

Is jaywalking illegal?

Can I use my home driver's license?

Travel Smart, Travel Safe

World Cup 2026 Local Laws & Etiquette

Know Before You GoALCOHOL & DRUG LAWS

Marijuana Warning

ID Requirements

Know Before You GoTIPPING CULTURE

20%

15-18%

10-15%

When to Tip (USA & Canada)

Know Before You GoPOLICE INTERACTION

Zero Tolerance for Bribery

If You Are Stopped

Know Before You GoSOCIAL ETIQUETTE

United States

Canada

Mexico

Know Before You GoSTADIUM RULES

Allowed Behavior

Strictly Prohibited

Know Before You GoFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I get arrested?

Can I smoke in the stadium?

Is jaywalking illegal?

Can I use my home driver's license?

Travel Smart, Travel Safe