Football fans hoping to add extra noise and atmosphere to matches at the 2026 World Cup will have to do so without vuvuzelas, after FIFA confirmed a ban on the plastic horns across stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The long plastic horns, popular in South African football culture, became globally recognised during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, they have remained controversial due to their loud, droning sound often compared to a swarm of bees.
Under FIFA’s stadium code of conduct, vuvuzelas are among several items prohibited inside all 16 tournament venues. Also banned are whistles, air horns and other loud noise-making devices considered disruptive to match environments.
The regulations further restrict the use of devices capable of emitting laser beams or similar light projections, with laser pointers explicitly listed as forbidden.
FIFA also outlined additional behavioural rules, stating that body paint or tattoos do not count as clothing. Acts such as streaking, flashing, or removing clothing to expose intimate body parts are strictly prohibited inside stadiums.
In addition, spectators will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into venues, with organisers citing safety concerns.
FIFA warned that fans who violate any of these rules risk being refused entry or removed from stadiums during matches.
