Ultimate Checklist. All Weather. 3 Countries.
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I learned this the hard way in 2018. Rushing to a match in 95°F heat, I realized my heavy cotton jersey was a mistake. By halftime, I was drenched, uncomfortable, and regretting every packing decision I'd made. Never again.
World Cup 2026 presents a unique challenge: you aren't just packing for one country, but potentially three. You might start your journey in the humid heat of Miami, fly to the high altitude of Mexico City, and end up in the cool, rainy evening of Vancouver.
The distances are vast, the climates are diverse, and the baggage fees can add up to hundreds of dollars if you aren't careful. This guide is built from years of tournament travel experience. It’s designed to help you pack smart, move fast, and stay comfortable whether you're in a stadium, on a plane, or exploring a host city.
Packing smart isn't just about comfort; it's about your wallet. Avoiding checked bag fees on 3-4 internal flights can save you over $200. Plus, not having to buy emergency rain gear or overpriced sunscreen at the stadium keeps your budget for what matters: tickets and experiences.
Before you throw a single sock into your suitcase, you need to understand the battlefield. Do not assume "summer" means the same thing everywhere. North America has massive climate variations.
| Region | Cities | Weather | Packing Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Hot & Humid | Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Miami | 85-95°F (30-35°C), 80% Humidity | Lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable. |
| USA Warm & Dry | Los Angeles, San Francisco | 70-85°F (21-29°C), Low Humidity | Layers. SF evenings are surprisingly cold. |
| USA Moderate | NYC, Philly, Boston | 75-85°F (24-29°C), Occasional Rain | Versatile layers, rain gear. |
| USA Varied | Seattle, Kansas City | 65-80°F (18-27°C), Rain likely | Waterproof jacket is essential. |
| Mexico | Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey | 75-90°F (24-32°C), High Altitude | Sun protection (high UV), breathable fabrics. |
| Canada | Toronto, Vancouver | 70-80°F (21-27°C), Mild | Light layers, light rain jacket. |
If you are flying domestic routes within the US (United, American, Delta), checked bags are not free on basic economy tickets.
Almost every World Cup 2026 venue will enforce the NFL-style Clear Bag Policy. Security will turn you away if you don't comply, forcing you to throw away your bag or miss kickoff.
This is it. The comprehensive list. If it's not on here, you probably don't need it.
Hot & Humid Focus
DO NOT BRING NEW SHOES.
You will walk 15,000 to 20,000 steps per match day. Stadium approaches can be mile-long walks. Standing in fan zones lasts for hours.
Bring broken-in sneakers. If you buy new ones, buy them 2 months before the trip and wear them daily. Blisters will ruin your World Cup faster than a bad referee call.
This is what goes into your clear bag for the stadium:
Carry-On Only
Pros:
No baggage fees, skip check-in lines, mobile.
One Checked Bag
Pros:
Variety of outfits, easier packing.
Checked + Laundry
Strategy:
Plan one laundry day per week to reuse items.
Don't fold. Roll your clothes tightly. It prevents wrinkles and saves roughly 30% of space compared to flat folding.
Non-negotiable. They compress clothes and keep your bag organized. Use one for shirts, one for bottoms.
Always wear your heaviest shoes and thickest jacket on the plane. This saves pounds of weight.
Inside your extra shoes is prime real estate. Stuff them with socks, chargers, or underwear.