Soccer fans travelling to Toronto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will need to prepare for some strict security and identification requirements, including a controversial alcohol policy that could catch many international visitors by surprise.
Under FIFA’s newly released “Know Before You Go” guidelines for Toronto matches, international visitors hoping to purchase alcohol inside the city’s World Cup venue will be required to present a valid passport as proof of age — with no exceptions.
According to tournament organizers, foreign driver’s licences, national identification cards, or other international documents will not be accepted for alcohol purchases at the stadium.
Only official passports will qualify as valid identification for international visitors seeking to buy beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages during matches at Toronto Stadium.
Canadian residents, however, will still be permitted to use standard government-issued photo identification under Ontario liquor regulations.
Officials say the stricter policy is intended to ensure compliance with Ontario alcohol laws while maintaining consistent identification standards across FIFA host venues during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
The alcohol policy forms part of broader security and crowd-management measures being implemented as Toronto prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors during the month-long global tournament.
The city is expected to host six World Cup matches beginning in June 2026, with massive international crowds anticipated throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Alongside the ID requirements, FIFA has also confirmed that all World Cup venues — including Toronto’s stadium — will operate under a mandatory clear-bag policy similar to those used at major sporting events across the United States.
Under the rules, fans will only be allowed to bring clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags measuring no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches into the stadium.
Small clutch purses or wallets no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches will also be permitted, even if they are not transparent.
All bags will undergo mandatory inspection at security checkpoints, and any items not meeting FIFA guidelines may be refused entry at the gates.
Tournament organizers say the clear-bag policy is designed to speed up entry times, reduce delays caused by bag inspections, improve crowd flow, and strengthen security screening for the enormous crowds expected during the tournament.
Security officials note that standardized policies across all FIFA venues are considered essential given the international scale of the event and the heightened safety planning required for gatherings involving tens of thousands of spectators.
Meanwhile, Ontario’s provincial government has already approved temporary extensions to alcohol service hours during the tournament to help bars and restaurants accommodate early morning and daytime matches involving teams from different global time zones.
The move mirrors similar temporary alcohol-service adjustments introduced during previous major international sporting events hosted in Canada.
As excitement builds ahead of the FIFA World Cup, officials are encouraging fans to carefully review stadium rules before arriving to avoid delays or denied entry.
With Toronto preparing to host some of the largest sporting crowds in its history, organizers say advance preparation will be critical for ensuring a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for both local fans and international visitors attending the world’s biggest soccer tournament.