What you can, can’t bring to Canada’s FIFA World Cup opener

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The day of the biggest game in Canadian soccer history is finally here and fans should be pumped to get into their seats and cheer on Team Canada against Bosnia and Herzegovina on home soil for the first time ever in a World Cup.

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But while there should be enough headaches alone in getting to the game with traffic and public transportation likely to be overwhelmed by an estimated 43,000-plus fans heading down to the Exhibition Grounds, they should also plan ahead for entering the stadium itself.

Fans should also be aware of the items that they are prohibited from bringing to Toronto Stadium — usually known as BMO Field — and other venues across North America.

What is the bag policy?

First of all, it will be tough to even try to get many of the following items inside World Cup stadiums because backpacks and purses are essentially banned.

While clear plastic bags can have a maximum size of 30cm x 15cm x 30cm, purses, wallets and clutches must be a maximum of 11.5cm x 16.5cm. It looks like it might be time to break out your fanny pack.

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If you were hoping to bring any sort of musical instrument – a drum, perhaps – it better be a small one.

The dimensions listed for “any musical instruments, mechanical or manual” are 12cm x 12cm x 12cm. For reference, your phone is almost certainly longer than 12 cm, suggesting that many instruments would exceed the limit.

This should rule out any chance of Vuvuzela revival at this summer’s tournament — the staple of the 2010 tournament in South Africa is specifically called out in FIFA’s rulebook.

Laser pointers, which have caused issues with players in the past, also are banned as well as flares.

As for flags and banners, they must be no larger than two metres by 1.5 metres – about the size of the average flag you’d fly outside your home — and cannot include any political or offensive messages. Promotional and commercial material is also banned.

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited at the stadium. Smoke, vape or use of any tobacco products as well as any electronic smoking device anywhere are strictly prohibited.

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Are water bottles banned?

Last week, reports emerged that the international soccer body stealthily made a change to stadium policies that would have prohibited fans from bringing their own refillable water bottles to matches.

When the change officially was made is uncertain, but as recently as last week FIFA’s stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.”

However, that clause was then changed to read: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”

FIFA had stated that the rule change was due to safety concerns.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” FIFA said in a statement to AFP.

“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”

But after significant backlash, FIFA walked back the policy and will now allow fans to bring in one, factory-sealed water bottle that can then be refilled at stations within the stadium grounds.

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Hard-sided, reusable water bottles remain banned, though.

What to do about the heat?

Water and other beverages also will be available for purchase as fans will try to beat the heat in the afternoon sun down by Lake Ontario.

With temperatures expected to be in the high 20s and the humidex making it feel even warmer, FIFA also is encouraging fans to take measures to avoid heat-related illness.

The organization recommends that fans drink water before, during and after the match, wear light, loose clothing and apply sunscreen.

Cooling zones, fans and shaded areas are available throughout the venue as well.

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