FIFA officials have changed their minds and banned fans from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums.
Just three weeks ago, FIFA updated its code of conduct policy for North American stadiums, which said that “empty, clear, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 1 liter may be brought into the stadium.”
No more. Instead of refilling their bottles at a water fountain in the stadium, thirsty fans will be forced to buy bottled water.
In a statement released this Thursday (4) to NBC News, a FIFA spokesperson tried to explain the measure.
“FIFA has taken the decision to ban bottles to prevent risks and injuries to players and participants,” the statement read. “Outside bottles are already banned in several of these venues for safety reasons, and FIFA is applying this consideration across all tournament stadiums.”
In total, 48 teams will compete in the North American World Cup, with matches being played at 16 venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico. About a dozen of the stadiums are located in areas where summer heat and humidity can be dangerous for both players and spectators.
Some of the matches at the Club World Cup held in the United States in 2025 were affected by oppressively hot conditions.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11th to July 19th.
In its statement, FIFA said it is coordinating with local authorities on a heat safety plan.
“FIFA works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which may include features such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the perimeter of the stadium,” the statement said.
FIFA said water prices will not be higher than what locals generally charge.
The change in policy was met with outrage from some fans, who already face huge ticket and transport costs to attend the tournament.
“What’s next? Banned sunscreen and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?”, published the English fans group Free Lions on X (formerly Twitter) this Thursday.
“Naturally, the fans’ immediate thought is that this is just another way to extract money. With how hot it will be in the stadiums, many of which are open air, let the fans take a bottle if they want. We hope that the drinking fountains in the stadiums are still free, hopefully you won’t be charged for queuing!”
