FIFA has announced that fans attending the World Cup will be allowed to bring sealed disposable water bottles into the stadiums, addressing concerns following the initial ban on reusable bottles.
The organization had previously implemented a late policy change prohibiting all types of bottles, including cups, jars, and cans, due to safety concerns.
Now, FIFA has updated its stance, clarifying that only hard-sided reusable bottles will not be permitted. World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi stated, “Each spectator may bring one 20-ounce (560ml) soft, plastic disposable factory-sealed water bottle into the stadium.” He added that hard-sided resealable containers could present safety and security risks.
Previously, the official stadium code of conduct allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 1 liter to be brought into the stadium.
However, just seven days before the tournament commenced on June 11, FIFA reversed this policy, citing a need to mitigate the risk of injury from fans potentially throwing objects.
Fans will still have the option to purchase water inside the stadium, and FIFA has pledged that the prices will be reasonable and not exceed typical venue rates.
Despite these reassurances, experts on heat safety have criticized the ban, arguing it could significantly increase the risk of heat-related health incidents. This restriction was also in place during the previous World Cup in Qatar.