Less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has introduced a significant change to its stadium rules.
The decision affects spectators across the United States, Canada and Mexico and has already drawn criticism from supporter groups concerned about fan welfare in hot weather.
FIFA reverses earlier policy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, will be the largest edition of the tournament in history. Ahead of the competition, FIFA has confirmed that spectators will no longer be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums, per a report by NDTV.
The move marks a reversal of FIFA's earlier Stadium Code of Conduct. The previous version had permitted fans to carry empty, transparent and reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre. However, an updated code released on June 2 removed that provision.
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Ticket holders, according to NDTV, were informed by email that "reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at the FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums". The revised code further states, "For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium."
Safety was cited as the reason
Explaining the change, FIFA reportedly said it decided to "prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees". The governing body was quoted as saying by NDTV, "Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums."
Under the new rules, fans will not be able to bring empty bottles for use at water fountains or hydration stations inside venues. Exceptions will be made for baby milk and sterilised water containers, as well as liquids needed for medical reasons. Spectators seeking medical exemptions must provide a medical certificate in English, French or Spanish.
Concerns over heat and hydration
The decision has sparked debate because several World Cup venues are expected to experience high summer temperatures. Concerns around heat management had already emerged during FIFA's Club World Cup in the United States, where players and supporters raised issues about playing and viewing conditions.
FIFA said host cities and local authorities are working on measures such as misting stations, hydration points, cooling tents and fans around stadiums. The organisation also stated, "Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium."
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Supporters question the move
Supporter groups have criticised the policy. A spokesperson for the Football Supporters' Association told The Athletic, "Yet again with this World Cup, it is fans last and not fans first. The heat and humidity is a real concern for fans' welfare; it should be this that is FIFA's main focus and not the ability to sell more bottled water at inflated prices", as per NDTV reports.
