Fans will no longer be permitted to take refillable plastic bottles into World Cup stadiums, FIFA has announced, reversing guidance just days before the tournament begins.
The tournament starts on 11 June 2026 and FIFA's decision has drawn criticism over supporter safety in North America’s summer heat.
The update to the ticketholder code of conduct was published on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
It removes a rule that previously allowed an empty, transparent, reusable bottle of up to one litre.
According to FIFA, the ban was introduced to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
A FIFA spokesperson said bottles are already prohibited at several venues in the United States (US), Canada and Mexico for safety reasons, and the policy would now apply across all tournament stadiums.
The governing body said it is working with host cities on heat mitigation measures including misting stations, fans, hydration points and cooling tents around stadiums.
"Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium," the spokesperson added.
The Athletic, which first reported the change, said bottled water cost between $4 and $6, about £3 to £4.50, at last summer’s Club World Cup in the US.
READ ALSO: Lionel Messi Wins 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports
Consequently, the move has alarmed supporters’ groups as the Free Lions England fans’ embassy posted on X: "What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?"
The group said FIFA had previously assured fans that free water and the ability to bring their own bottles would be available.
"For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to," it added.
Fears over heat have intensified after a study by US broadcaster National Public Radio (NPR) found more than one-third of matches face a high risk of dangerously hot, humid conditions.
Temperatures in Miami, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta can average 84°F, around 29°C, and Scotland are due to play Brazil in Miami.
World Weather Attribution (WWA) researchers expect nine of the 104 matches to be played above 26°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), the point at which world players’ union FIFPRO advises safety measures.
About five matches are forecast to exceed 28°C WBGT, when FIFPRO says games should be postponed.
Dr Theodore Keeping, a WWA study author from Imperial College London, said: "Allowing fair and equitable access to hydration is a basic first defence against the extreme heat risks climate change is bringing to this World Cup."
FIFA has introduced three-minute hydration breaks for players in each half.
0 Comments