FIFA Cancels Water Bottle Ban for 2026 World Cup After Fans Backlash
FIFA has revised its water bottle policy for the 2026 World Cup, announcing that fans will be allowed to bring factory-sealed disposable plastic water bottles into match venues following widespread criticism of an earlier ban.
The decision was announced on Friday by the tournament’s Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, in a video posted on FIFA’s official X account.
According to Schirgi, supporters attending World Cup matches in the United States and Canada will be permitted to carry one soft, plastic, factory-sealed disposable water bottle of up to 20 ounces (590ml) into stadiums.
The clarification comes just two days after FIFA stated that refillable water bottles would not be allowed inside venues, a policy that sparked concern among fans who feared they would be forced to purchase bottled water at stadiums, particularly during periods of extreme heat.
FIFA said the restrictions on reusable bottles remain in place for safety and security reasons.
“Fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security concerns,” Schirgi explained while demonstrating examples of approved and prohibited containers.
The world football governing body had earlier defended its stance, saying several host venues already prohibit outside bottles and that the policy was designed to minimise risks to players and spectators.
The issue has attracted significant attention ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Weather experts have warned that supporters could face health challenges due to high temperatures at some open-air stadiums.
A report released last month by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played under conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, a threshold associated with increased heat stress.
WBGT is a widely used measure of heat stress that factors in temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind conditions.
Concerns over fan welfare were also raised during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where supporters complained about extreme temperatures while being prohibited from bringing water bottles into venues.
To address heat-related risks, FIFA said hydration stations, misting areas, cooling tents and fans will be available around stadium precincts throughout the tournament.
The organisation also noted that bottled water sold inside stadiums would be priced in line with rates charged during other major events hosted at the respective venues.