FIFA has relaxed its controversial World Cup water bottle policy. Fans can now bring one factory-sealed disposable plastic water bottle into stadiums during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision came days after criticism of FIFA’s ban on reusable water bottles. Many supporters and health experts raised concerns about hydration during a summer tournament expected to feature extreme temperatures. In a video posted on FIFA’s official X account, World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi explained the updated rule. “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” Schirgi said. FIFA described the announcement as a clarification. However, the move eases restrictions announced earlier this week. Safety Concerns Drive Policy Earlier this week, FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct and banned reusable water bottles. The organisation defended the move on security grounds. “Fifa made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees,” FIFA said. The governing body noted that many World Cup venues already enforce similar restrictions. All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. ✅As FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, explains, fans will not be permitted… pic.twitter.com/ePEHq9oalJ— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2026 “Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and Fifa is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the statement added. Despite Friday’s change, FIFA continues to prohibit reusable containers. Schirgi said, “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons.” He also displayed examples of permitted and prohibited bottles. Under the revised rules, fans may carry only one soft plastic disposable bottle that remains factory sealed upon entry. Heat Risks Remain in Focus The debate has intensified because experts continue to warn about extreme temperatures during the tournament. The United States, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup. The competition will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches. Last month, the World Weather Attribution research group released a report on tournament conditions. Researchers estimated that 26 matches could take place in conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, measures heat stress on the human body. It combines temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind into a single reading. Fans raised similar concerns during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Many complained about intense heat inside stadiums. Organisers also prohibited outside water bottles during that tournament. FIFA says it will provide hydration stations, cooling tents, misting stations and fans throughout venue areas. The organisation also says bottled water inside stadiums will remain priced similarly to other events held at each venue. As preparations continue for the largest World Cup in history, FIFA faces growing pressure to balance security requirements with fan comfort and safety.
FIFA Bans Water Bottles at World Cup 2026 Amid Heat Concerns
FIFA has introduced a controversial policy ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The governing body will not allow fans to bring refillable water bottles into stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The decision has triggered debate among supporters and health experts. Many have raised concerns about spectator welfare during the summer tournament. The Athletic first reported the policy change. FIFA later confirmed it in a statement. Just weeks ago, FIFA allowed fans to carry empty transparent reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre into stadiums. The earlier code of conduct stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.” FIFA has now changed that rule. The updated code states: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.” FIFA Defends the Decision FIFA says safety concerns drove the policy shift. “Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” a FIFA spokesperson told AFP. “Fifa made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees. “Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and Fifa is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.” Several host venues already ban outside bottles during sporting events. FIFA decided to apply the same rule across all World Cup stadiums. The organisation says fans will still have access to hydration facilities. These include misting stations, cooling tents, fans and dedicated hydration points. FIFA also said spectators can buy bottled water inside stadiums. According to the governing body, prices will remain similar to those charged during other events. Heat Concerns Continue to Grow The announcement comes as climate experts warn about the risk of extreme heat during the tournament. Last month, the World Weather Attribution research group released a report on World Cup conditions. Researchers estimated that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could take place in conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, measures heat stress on the human body. It combines temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind into a single index. Scientists and sports organisations use WBGT to assess heat-related risks. Several host cities could experience high temperatures during the competition. Concerns about fan safety have therefore intensified in recent months. Similar issues emerged during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Many supporters complained about intense heat inside venues. Tournament organisers also banned outside water bottles during that competition. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches. It will be the largest tournament in FIFA history. Organisers expect record crowds across North America. As kickoff approaches, the debate over fan comfort, hydration and safety is likely to continue. For now, supporters attending matches must leave reusable water bottles at home. They will need to rely on hydration stations or purchase water inside the stadiums.
