World football governing body FIFA has revised its controversial stadium policy for the 2026 World Cup, allowing supporters to bring sealed disposable water bottles into match venues following criticism from fans and observers. The decision was announced on Friday, just days after FIFA said reusable water bottles would not be……
World football governing body FIFA has revised its controversial stadium policy for the 2026 World Cup, allowing supporters to bring sealed disposable water bottles into match venues following criticism from fans and observers.
The decision was announced on Friday, just days after FIFA said reusable water bottles would not be permitted inside stadiums hosting matches in the United States and Canada.
Under the updated guideline, spectators will be allowed to enter venues with one factory-sealed plastic water bottle.
“All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590 ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said in a video posted on FIFA’s X account.
READ ALSO: FIFA Bans Refillable Bottles at World Cup Stadiums
FIFA described the announcement as a clarification of its existing policy, which had generated concerns that fans would be forced to purchase water inside stadiums, particularly during matches expected to be played in extreme heat.
TVC News Online had earlier reported that FIFA announced a new policy barring fans from bringing refillable plastic bottles into World Cup stadiums, a reversal of its earlier guidance that has triggered criticism from supporters’ groups and renewed debate over spectator welfare in extreme summer heat.
The football governing body said the decision was taken to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”, noting that similar restrictions already exist at several host venues and will now be applied uniformly across all tournament stadiums.
Previously, ticket-holders were allowed to enter stadiums with an empty, transparent, reusable bottle of up to one litre capacity. However, an update issued on June 2, as first reported by The Athletic, confirmed that reusable bottles are now prohibited entirely.
Despite the latest concession, FIFA maintained that reusable containers would remain banned.
Schirgi explained that “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons,” while demonstrating examples of approved and prohibited bottles.
A recent report by the World Weather Attribution research group projected that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played under conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, a level associated with significant heat stress.
The WBGT index measures the combined effects of temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind on the human body.
Concerns over fan welfare were also raised during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where supporters complained about intense temperatures and similarly faced restrictions on bringing water bottles into venues.
In response, FIFA said cooling measures would be available around stadiums, including hydration stations, misting areas, fans and cooling tents.
The organisation added that bottled water sold inside stadiums would be priced in line with rates charged during other events held at the respective venues.
