FIFA Eases Water Bottle Rules for Fans Following Backlash Ahead of World Cup

FIFA has announced that supporters attending World Cup matches will now be permitted to bring one disposable plastic water bottle into stadiums following criticism over its earlier decision to prohibit refillable bottles.

In a video published on FIFA’s official X account on Friday, World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi confirmed the updated policy.

“All fans will be permitted to bring in one soft, plastic, 20-ounce 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 of its existing water bottle policy, coming just two days after the organisation stated that refillable bottles would not be permitted inside venues.

That earlier position represented a change to the official stadium code of conduct and prompted criticism from supporters who argued the restrictions could force spectators to purchase bottled water inside stadiums.

FIFA defended the original decision on safety grounds, stating that the measures were intended “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”.

The governing body also explained that several host venues already operate restrictions on outside bottles for security purposes.

“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the organisation said.

Despite the revised approach, FIFA confirmed on Friday that its safety concerns remain unchanged.

Schirgi reiterated that spectators will still not be allowed to bring reusable hard-sided bottles into stadiums for security reasons and demonstrated examples of approved and prohibited containers.

“Fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons,” he said.

The policy adjustment comes amid increasing concerns over weather conditions during the tournament.

Forecasters have warned that supporters attending matches at open-air venues could face health risks associated with extreme heat during the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A report released last month by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches are likely to be played under conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26°C.

WBGT is a recognised measure used to assess heat stress on the human body and combines factors including temperature, humidity, wind speed and sunlight exposure.

Concerns surrounding hydration at major football events are not new.

During last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States — where supporters complained about intense temperatures — spectators were similarly prohibited from bringing water bottles into stadiums.

FIFA has stated that additional cooling and hydration measures will be available throughout tournament venues.

According to the organisation, supporters will have access to misting stations, fans, hydration points and cooling tents within the wider stadium footprint.

FIFA also confirmed that bottled water sold inside venues will be priced in line with rates charged during other events hosted at each stadium.