Fifa bans vuvuzelas and other loud noisemakers from World Cup stadiums

ISLAMABAD: Fifa has barred spectators from bringing vuvuzelas into stadiums for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, according to its stadium code of conduct.

The plastic horns, closely associated with South African football and widely heard during the 2010 World Cup, are among several items banned at all 16 tournament venues. Fifa's code also prohibits whistles, air horns and other excessively loud noise-making devices.

The rules further ban instruments that emit laser beams, laser pointers or similar emissions. Fifa's code also says body paint and body tattoos do not count as clothing, while streaking, flashing or removing clothes to expose intimate body parts is prohibited.

Fifa has also banned reusable water bottles from stadiums, citing safety concerns. Under the code, spectators who breach the rules may be denied entry or removed from the venue. The expanded 48-team World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, with Mexico scheduled to face South Africa in the opening match on June 11.