Rain looms over the FIFA Club World Cup, and stadium policies are taking shape. Across U.S. venues, umbrellas feature prominently on the list of prohibited items, but not all are treated equally—details matter more than ever.
Most stadiums prohibit large, non‑collapsible umbrellas outright. A few allow small, retractable versions. Many venues recommend ponchos instead, signaling subtle but important differences.
Ultimately, every U.S. host—MetLife, Mercedes‑Benz, TQL, Audi, Geodis, Lumen and Rose Bowl, among others—follows its own rules. Those subtle policy shifts could turn a rainy walk‑in into a soggy surprise for the unprepared.
Is it possible to enter the Club World Cup stadiums with an umbrella?
The answer depends on the stadium—and, crucially, on the type of umbrella. While the general security policy for major U.S. venues hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 tends to prohibit full-size, pointed-tip or non-collapsible umbrellas, many allow compact, telescopic umbrellas that fit easily in a bag.
A fan of Germany looks on with an umbrella as rain falls during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Germany and Hungary at Allianz Arena in 2021. (Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
These pocket-sized models, typically under 33 inches, are often permitted as long as they remain closed and stowed away once inside the stadium. However, even when allowed past security, opening an umbrella during the match is almost universally discouraged or outright forbidden, as it can obstruct the view.
Each stadium has its own nuances. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and MetLife in New Jersey, for example, list umbrellas on their prohibited items pages—though exceptions can sometimes be made depending on weather advisories and staff discretion.
Other venues like Geodis Park in Nashville tend to be slightly more flexible but still prioritize visibility and safety. Fans who don’t want to take chances are often encouraged to opt for disposable rain ponchos or weather-resistant jackets, which are widely available around stadium perimeters and in fan zones.
In the end, checking the individual stadium’s official site or app before heading to the gates can make all the difference between staying dry—and being asked to toss your umbrella at the turnstile, especially when factoring in broader matchday logistics.
FIFA Club World Cup stadium umbrella rules for each stadium
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ): Umbrellas are strictly prohibited, regardless of size—guests are encouraged to leave them in their car or at bag check stations and use ponchos instead.
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA): While not directly confirmed for this tournament, the venue generally bans standard umbrellas. It’s safest to assume no umbrellas permitted, and opt for waterproof jackets or ponchos unless an official update allows compact ones.
- Lumen Field (Seattle, WA): Collapsible umbrellas are permitted as long as they are compact and don’t obstruct views or disrupt fellow fans, a policy consistent with Sounders FC and Seahawks soccer events.
MetLife Stadium (Source: FIFA)
- Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA): Following USC and NFL past protocols—and no exceptions reported—umbrellas remain prohibited; large or compact, none allowed inside tournament events.
- Geodis Park (Nashville, TN): As a soccer-specific venue, Geodis Park typically prohibits umbrellas. Fans are encouraged to rely on ponchos or lined rain gear during wet weather.
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL): Multiple major events at the stadium ban umbrellas; with no tournament-specific updates, assume no umbrellas allowed—ponchos recommended for rain protection.
- Audi Field (Washington, D.C.): No umbrellas have been allowed during soccer matches at this intimate venue. The policy holds for Club World Cup games—leave umbrellas behind.
